B‑52 Stratofortress circles Estonia: A calculated message to Russia
While EU politicians are in Kyiv, a Boeing B-52H Stratofortress belonging to the USAF circles over Estonia, approximately 97 kilometres from the Russian border. Here’s what characterizes this powerful machine.
As can be seen on the Flightradar portal, an American strategic bomber, a Boeing B-52H Stratofortress with registration 60-0044, is circling over Estonia. This is most likely a show of force toward Russia, accompanying the visit of European politicians to Kyiv.
B-52 Stratofortress — despite its age, it remains an effective weapon and a tool of foreign policy
Despite being introduced to service over 70 years ago, the B-52 Stratofortress still plays a key role in the American strategic deterrence system. The currently operated aircraft, which number 58 active, 18 in reserve, and 12 preserved, were produced between 1952 and 1962. The newest is already 62 years old.
They have undergone numerous upgrades during this period, culminating in the current B-52H version. Furthermore, more upgrades are planned, allowing the aircraft designated as B-52J to continue service for up to 100 years.
Despite the age and development of newer aircraft such as the B-1B, B-2, or the modern B-21, the B-52 is still indispensable. It not only serves to carry nuclear weapons but is also capable of transporting up to 31 metric tonnes of various aerial armaments, including air-launched cruise missiles.
Although it lags behind its newer counterparts in many respects, the B-52 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.
