Tri-Service

Mammoth B-52 Stratofortress Joins Fight Against Daesh

B-52 Stratofortress aircraft have arrived in Qatar to join the fight against Daesh.

The long-range heavy bombers, which have been operated by the US Air Force since the 1950s, are capable of carrying up to 70,000 pounds (32,000 kg) of weapons.

They boast a typical combat range of over 8,800 miles (14,080 km) and the ability to fly at an altitude of 50,000ft.

First used in combat in the Vietnam War in the 1960s, their payload includes cruise missiles, precision bombs and mines.

It comes after Russia deployed similar warplanes, including the Tu-22 Backfire, the Tu-95 Bear and the Tu-160 Blackjack, to Syria in support of President Bashar al-Assad.

A veteran of several wars, the B-52 can perform a variety of missions including strategic attack, close-air support, air interdiction, and maritime operations.

Lieutenant-General Charles Q. Brown Jr., head of US Air Forces Central Command, said:

"The B-52 demonstrates our continued resolve to apply persistent pressure on Daesh and defend the region in any future contingency."

He added that the aircraft will "provide the coalition [with] continued precision and deliver desired airpower effects", and said:

"As a multi-role platform, the B-52 offers diverse capabilities including delivery of precision weapons and the flexibility and endurance needed to support the combatant commander's priorities and strengthen the coalition team."

The deployment is the first time US B-52s have been based in the Middle East for an operational mission since 1991, during the Gulf War, when they were based in Saudi Arabia.

They were last flown operationally in May 2006 - other than during Exercise Eager Lion, a multi-national exercise in Jordan in May 2015.

At least three of the veteran bombers, which will be available to carry out missions in both Iraq and Syria, are believed to have flown into Qatar, although the US Air Force has not confirmed the exact number.

Like the Tomahawk cruise missile, B-52s have for many years been a favourite amongst US Presidents.

After being upgraded between 2013 and 2015, they're expected to serve into the 2040s, having already completed 60 years of continuous service in 2015.

The aircraft's official Stratofortress name is rarely used; informally, the aircraft has become commonly referred to as the BUFF (Big Ugly Fat F***er).

US Air Force officials, meanwhile, denied that it would be engaged in carpet bombing, the tactic used to clear Iraqi trenches in Kuwait in the Gulf War, and against Vietcong positions in Vietnam.

The Times newspaper quoted an official as saying "accuracy is critically important in this war", adding that Daesh remain hidden within civilian populations rather than gathering in large groups.