{"id":48384,"date":"2026-03-04T15:37:13","date_gmt":"2026-03-04T15:37:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/uncategorized\/2026\/03\/04\/the-us-air-force-just-used-its-oldest-bomber-to-attack-iran\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T17:33:15","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T17:33:15","slug":"the-us-air-force-just-used-its-oldest-bomber-to-attack-iran","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/air\/2026\/03\/04\/the-us-air-force-just-used-its-oldest-bomber-to-attack-iran\/","title":{"rendered":"The US Air Force just used its oldest bomber to attack Iran"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

First flown in 1952, the Boeing B-52 has seen service in Vietnam, Desert Storm, the Global War on Terror \u2014 and now Iran. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

U.S. forces have hit 2,000 targets in Iran since the opening salvos of Operation Epic Fury on Feb. 28, adding the B-1 Lancer<\/a> and B-52 Stratofortress bombers to the air attacks, U.S. Central Command reported Tuesday morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The long-range, heavy bomber has the potential to become the first military aircraft to remain in service for a century. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As of Sunday night, U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers conducted long-range strikes deep inside Iran. Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters Monday at the Pentagon that the strikes targeting ballistic missile facilities and command-and-control infrastructure resulted in \u201cthe establishment of local air superiority.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis air superiority will not only enhance the protection of our forces but also allow them to continue the work over Iran,\u201d Caine said.<\/p>\n\n\n\t