US strategic bomber's flight over Estonia amid EU visit
While EU politicians are in Kyiv, a Boeing B-52H Stratofortress belonging to the USAF is circling over Estonia, approximately 100 kilometres from the Russian border. Here's what characterises this powerful machine.
As can be seen on the Flightradar portal, an American strategic bomber, the Boeing B-52H Stratofortress with registration 60-0044, is circling over Estonia. This is most likely a show of force towards Russia, coinciding with the visit of European politicians to Kyiv.
B-52 Stratofortress — despite its age, it remains an effective weapon and a tool of foreign policy
The B-52 Stratofortress aircraft, despite being introduced into service over 70 years ago, still plays a key role in the American strategic deterrence system. The current fleet, comprising 58 active planes, 18 in reserve, and 12 preserved, was produced between 1952 and 1962. This means that the newest aircraft are already 62 years old.
Over the years, they have undergone numerous upgrades, culminating in the current B-52H version. Furthermore, more upgrades are planned, allowing the aircraft designated as B-52J to remain in service for up to 100 years.
Despite the age and the development of newer aircraft such as the B-1B, B-2, and the modern B-21, the B-52 is still indispensable. It is not only equipped to carry nuclear weapons but is also capable of transporting up to 31 metric tons of various aerial armaments, including air-launched cruise missiles.
Although it falls behind its newer counterparts in many respects, it has significant advantages. These include high reliability and the best cost-to-payload and range ratio among all American bombers. For this reason, B-52s are often used as a show of force in foreign policy.
