Iran's missile plans heighten Middle East tensions
On Sunday, "The Wall Street Journal" reported that Iran is planning a retaliatory attack on Israel. The plan includes using missiles with more powerful warheads and deploying previously unused weapons. The United States decided to deploy new forces to the Middle East, including B-52 strategic bombers, fighter jets, and destroyers. Their presence in the region serves as a warning to Tehran.
5:14 PM EST, November 4, 2024
Journalists from "The Wall Street Journal" have obtained information suggesting that Tehran is planning this attack in response to an Israeli strike on Iran on October 26. The attack might occur after the U.S. presidential elections scheduled for November 5, but before the inauguration of the new president, most likely before January 2025.
Iran plans retaliation for Israeli attack
According to "The Wall Street Journal," Iran plans to use more powerful missile warheads and previously unused weapons in their attack on Israel. An anonymous Egyptian government representative claims that Iran warned Egypt about its intentions, while emphasizing that the attack would be "strong and comprehensive." The Iranian military is expected to participate, and Iraqi territory might be used to launch the missiles.
Given the potential escalation of tensions in the Middle East, the United States will deploy significant forces to the region. "In accordance with our commitments to protect U.S. citizens and forces in the Middle East, defend Israel, and de-escalate through deterrence and diplomacy, the Secretary of Defense has ordered the deployment of additional missile defense destroyers, a fighter squadron, and refueling aircraft, as well as long-range B-52 bombers belonging to the U.S. Air Force," reads a statement from the Pentagon.
"If Iran, its partners, or its proxies take this moment to attack American personnel or interests in the region, the United States will take all necessary measures to defend our nation," Pentagon spokesperson Gen. Pat Ryder also stated.
American deterrence strategy
According to U.S. authorities, B-52 bombers appeared in the Middle East as early as Saturday, November 2. The United States currently operates 76 B-52H Stratofortress bombers, which are the last remaining in service out of the 744 produced by Boeing for the U.S. military. Despite their age, these aircraft remain central to U.S. strategic bombing capabilities, and there are no plans to phase them out. The B-52 can carry both conventional and nuclear weapons and is known for being low-maintenance, offering an advantageous cost-to-range and payload ratio.
The Pentagon plans to allocate up to $48.6 billion to upgrade the bombers to the B-52J version. The upgrades will enable the operation of the B-52 fleet until at least 2060. These enhancements will include engine replacements, avionics modernization, new communication systems, electronic warfare systems, a new AESA radar, and new wheels, brakes, and weapons bays. The bombers currently in use were manufactured between 1960 and 1962. They are about 164 feet in length, 41 feet in height, and have a wingspan of nearly 187 feet. They are powered by eight Pratt & Whitney TF33-P-3/103 turbofan engines, allowing them to achieve speeds over 621 mph.
In takeoff configuration, the B-52H bombers weigh 564,000 pounds, with over 68,000 pounds allocated to weaponry and 399,000 pounds for fuel, providing a range exceeding 9,941 miles. Regarding nuclear weapons, the B-52 can carry cruise missiles like the AGM-129 or AGM-86A, armed with nuclear warheads. The aircraft can also carry conventional weapons, including AGM-84 Harpoon, AGM-142 Raptor, AGM-86C missiles, and various types of aerial bombs.
