US Air Force deploys B-52s to Diego Garcia for ongoing strategic operations

B-52 bombers recently flew to the remote Indian Ocean island of Diego Garcia, joining multiple B-2 bombers that have been stationed there for several weeks. 

During a congressional hearing on May 7, Lt. Gen. Andrew J. Gebara, the Air Force deputy chief of staff for strategic deterrence and nuclear integration, informed lawmakers that a Bomber Task Force (BTF) of B-52s is currently underway, Caliber.Az reports, citing US media.

"There’s a Bomber Task Force of B-52s going on as we speak," he said.

Flight tracking data and social media reports showed B-52s en route to Diego Garcia a few days ago. Satellite imagery posted by plane spotters also appeared to confirm the bombers' arrival at the island, where the B-2s have been stationed since late March.

Air Force Global Strike Command declined to comment on the specific locations of its aircraft, stating in a response, “We routinely conduct global operations in coordination with other combatant commands, services, and participating U.S. government agencies to deter, detect, and, if necessary, defeat strategic attacks against the United States and its allies. To preserve operational security, we do not discuss details about exercises or operations.”

The recent B-52 task force deployment follows a similar rotation through Diego Garcia last year, marking the first time the B-52s had landed there since 2020.

Meanwhile, the B-2s stationed at Diego Garcia participated in airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen, according to previous reports. However, these operations appeared to end on May 6 when President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. would halt its intensified bombing campaign against the Houthis after the group agreed to cease attacking commercial shipping off Yemen's coast.

Despite the announcement, observers remain sceptical that the Houthis will stop their attacks. The U.S. may retain forces in the region, ready to strike if necessary to enforce compliance.

While BTF deployments often attract attention, they don't always signal offensive operations. Instead, they typically involve exercises, cooperative training with allies, and demonstrations of American airpower capabilities. The most recent Bomber Task Force deployment took place last month, when B-1 bombers flew to Misawa Air Base in Japan.