A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress bomber identified as a nuclear-capable variant was photographed refueling over the Caribbean Sea, marking the first confirmed appearance of such an aircraft near Venezuela in 2025.
The images, released on October 15, 2025, show the bomber refueling from a KC-135R Stratotanker during operations close to Venezuelan airspace. Analysts confirmed the aircraft’s nuclear capability by identifying the small triangular “New START fins” on its rear fuselage — external indicators mandated under the New START Treaty for bombers certified to carry nuclear-armed cruise missiles.
The mission followed the standard Bomber Task Force pattern, featuring long-range sorties from Barksdale Air Force Base, aerial refueling, and integration with F-35B Lightning II fighters operating out of Puerto Rico. The aircraft conducted maneuvers off Venezuela’s coast before returning westward, adhering to international airspace regulations.
The Boeing B-52H Stratofortress remains a core component of America’s strategic deterrence. Capable of both conventional and nuclear missions, the bomber can carry up to 32,000 kilograms of payload and has an operational range exceeding 14,000 kilometers without refueling. With support from tankers, it can stay airborne for over 20 hours, enabling global reach from U.S. bases.
The nuclear-capable variant is compatible with the AGM-86B Air-Launched Cruise Missile, armed with a W80-1 thermonuclear warhead adjustable between 5 and 150 kilotons, with a standoff range of 2,500 kilometers.
The recent flight near Venezuela underscores Washington’s intent to maintain visible strategic pressure in the Caribbean region, signaling both deterrence and readiness amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Western Hemisphere.
