U.S. B-52 Stratofortress Missions Over CENTCOM Theater Reported During Operation Epic Fury in March 2026

As of March 2026, U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bombers were reported conducting long-range operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility as part of Operation Epic Fury. On 20/03/2026, imagery released by U.S. Central Command showed a B-52H Stratofortress refueling mid-air from a KC-135 Stratotanker while operating over the CENTCOM theater. The long-range mission reflected the continued use of strategic bombers capable of launching precision strikes across extended distances without requiring forward basing. According to CENTCOM updates during this period, B-52 aircraft were used in strike missions targeting ballistic missile facilities, command and control centers, and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps infrastructure inside Iran. Reports indicated that more than 1,700 targets had been struck during the campaign, with B-52 sorties forming part of a broader mix of aircraft including fighters, drones, and cruise missile platforms. Night operations were frequently highlighted in official releases, emphasizing long-range strike capability and operational unpredictability. The bomber missions coincided with a wider escalation involving U.S., Israeli, and Iranian forces that began in late February 2026. Strategic bombers operating from bases outside the Middle East conducted extended flights into the region, supported by aerial refueling aircraft. These missions were described as providing heavy payload capacity and the ability to strike hardened or dispersed targets across large geographic areas. Following one of the missions, a B-52H returning to its base in England reportedly issued an emergency transponder code 7700 over UK airspace between 24/03/2026 and 25/03/2026. The aircraft continued its flight after the signal, and no confirmed cause for the emergency status was publicly released. The incident occurred after several long-range sorties linked to Operation Epic Fury.