US sends B-52 on show-of-force flight near Venezuela’s coast

English Posted on  —by Nicolle
US sends B-52 in show-of-force flight near Venezuela's coast
US sends B-52 in show-of-force flight near Venezuela’s coast (X @usairforce)

Three B-52 Stratofortress bombers from the US Air Force were tracked in international airspace near the coast of Venezuela, within the so-called Maiquetía Flight Information Region (FIR).

The action, considered a show of force, comes amid increased US military operations in the Caribbean, including patrols, aerial refueling, and support from F-35 fighters and AC-130J attack aircraft. The proximity of the flights to Venezuelan islands and their public visibility suggests the mission was meant as a signal to Nicolás Maduro’s regime.

The B-52s, known by the callsigns BUNNY01, BUNNY02, and BUNNY03, took off from Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana and remained in the area for about two hours. The mission followed a pattern similar to the long-range patrols the aircraft regularly conducts, testing endurance, navigation, and coordination with regional allies. At the same time, the open presence of these bombers near Caracas sends a direct message about US military capabilities, including long-range missile strikes and neutralization of strategic targets.

The show of force follows recent US strikes against vessels suspected of drug trafficking in the Caribbean, with several lethal actions reported since September. Maduro has also increased military exercises and mobilized about 25,000 troops to protect borders and critical infrastructure, while Venezuelan F-16s conducted alert flights, though no B-52 interceptions were confirmed. Additionally, the United States has deployed various naval and air assets in the region, including destroyers, nuclear submarines, and amphibious groups, totaling about 10,000 deployed personnel.

The B-52 Stratofortress, in service since the 1950s, remains a central element of the US strategic bombing capability, capable of carrying over 31 tons of conventional and nuclear weapons, flying more than 12,000 km without refueling, and operating alongside modern aircraft. Ongoing updates to avionics, communications, and defense systems ensure the aircraft remains operational and adaptable to modern missions, with use planned through the 2050s.

Source: UK Defence Journal / The War Zone | Photo: X @usairforce | This content was created with AI assistance and reviewed by the editorial team

Back to top