Mar 11, 2026 - Technology

From Vietnam to Iran, aging B-52 notches another war

Colin Demarest

Front view of a large military aircraft with landing gear down, wing-mounted pods, illuminated orange and red lights, and two figures standing near the right wing in foggy, low-light conditions. — A B-52H Stratofortress, prior to takeoff in operation Epic Fury. Photo: U.S. Air Force/DVIDS

The B-52 flew in the Vietnam War. It still flies, most recently blasting Iranian ballistic missile and command-and-control sites.

Why it matters: Few war machines have the staying power of the Stratofortress. Boeing built hundreds of them, some of which are being maintained and upgraded today.

By the numbers: The bomber has a 185-foot wingspan and stands almost 41 feet tall. Its range is listed just shy of 9,000 miles, with its many engines.

What they're saying: "American airpower remains unmatched," U.S. Central Command, which oversees military operations in the Middle East, said on X.

"The B-52 Stratofortress has been utilized in every major conflict since 1965."

The intrigue: A B-52 was late last year spotted carrying what appeared to be a Long-Range Standoff missile, an in-development nuclear weapon. The aircraft had distinct test markings, The Aviationist reported.

What's next: Work to improve the Stratofortress radar and engines is underway.

Rolls-Royce in February said its F130 engines passed altitude and operability testing.

Go deeper: Pentagon flexes military muscle with new weapons in Iran

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From Vietnam to Iran, aging B-52 notches another war

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