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DetroitLegalBeagle

(2,488 posts)

3. True, though there is one exception

Reply to DemocratSinceBirth (Original post)

Wed Mar 4, 2026, 05:35 AM

6 hrs ago

Well, two, technically. Yes, B52s are about as stealthy as a flying building, so their survival chances in contested airspace is slim. So either Iran's air defenses are basically non existent now, or they are being used as missile trucks. B52s can carry a lot of cruise missiles and other long range standoff missiles. I believe upwards of 20. So, they could fly close, but remain in safe airspace, launch 15-20 or so guided missiles and turn back. I guess there is a tiny possibility they are just being risked and sent over regardless of if the airspace over Iran is entirely controlled, but I highly doubt it. The Air Force changed their usage doctrine after their losses in Vietnam.

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DU Military Buffs [View all] DemocratSinceBirth 13 hrs ago OP

Iran's strategy is likely to simply overwhelm interceptors fujiyamasan 12 hrs ago #1

Air Doctrine says you control the air you control the battlefield. LogDog75 11 hrs ago #2

True, though there is one exception DetroitLegalBeagle 6 hrs ago #3

They are using them to drop leaflets and loiter over Tehran air space to rattle the IRGC. DemocratSinceBirth 3 hrs ago #4

Well then Iran's air defenses are destroyed then DetroitLegalBeagle 35 min ago #5