An unconfirmed number of B-52 bombers from the United States Air Force (USAF) were deployed to Diego Garcia Island, located in the Indian Ocean, which U.S. authorities highlighted as part of a routine action, but which analysts point to as a reinforcement of long-range strike capabilities in light of tensions with Iran. The information about their arrival comes from statements made by Lieutenant General Andrew J. Gebara, the Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration of the Air Force, during a congressional hearing yesterday.
Although it was not confirmed by U.S. authorities whether the B-52 bombers have already arrived or not at Diego Garcia Island, the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command did mention that the arrival responds to global operations that are carried out routinely “…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.” Nonetheless, based on analysis from the specialist community and Open Source Intelligence (OSINT), it is presumed that at least four B-52s arrived on the island in recent hours.
The movement also coincides with talks between the United States and Iran regarding the nuclear program, which remains stalled. In this context, the new deployment was not presented as part of an ongoing offensive campaign, although it falls within a strategic posture of vigilance and preparedness. It is worth recalling that between three and six B-2 Spirit bombers, also stationed in Diego Garcia, participated until May 6 in air operations against Houthi rebel positions in Yemen, until the campaign was halted following an announcement by President Donald Trump, who stated that the attacks would cease after the Houthis agreed to stop harassing commercial maritime traffic in the region. The presence of these aircraft was not officially confirmed but was detected through monitoring of KC-135 tanker aircraft flights, radio transmissions, and satellite imagery.
On the other hand, the last rotation in which a B-52 Bomber Task Force (BTF) from the U.S. Air Force was present on Diego Garcia Island dates back to the year 2024. At that time, the Pacific Air Forces Command (PACAF) detailed that its presence was part of a training mission with regional Allies and partners, as well as strategic deterrence patrols aimed to “reinforce the rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region.”
Lastly, the strategic importance of Diego Garcia Island for the United States Air Force is indisputable. Located in the heart of the Indian Ocean, it enables rapid power projection toward the main regional hotspots. This was reflected by Lieutenant Colonel Vanessa Wilcox, commander of the 96th Bomb Squadron and responsible for the BTF during last year’s deployment: “This base and the Andersen Air Force Base are our most important and stable operating hubs in the Indo-Pacific region.”
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