Satellite imagery confirms the presence of 10 U.S. bombers currently stationed on Diego Garcia, the main island of the British Indian Ocean Territory. The group includes six B-2 stealth bombers and four B-52s. It’s still unclear whether the arrival of the B-52s will lead to a withdrawal of the B-2s from this strategically important location. Since their initial deployment to Diego Garcia, the B-2s have been used in airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen – operations that preceded a recent ceasefire agreement between the U.S. and the group. Their presence has also served as a signal aimed at Iran.
The most recent, albeit low-resolution, satellite image shows all six B-2s and four B-52s lined up on the island. Several other large aircraft are also visible, likely including KC-135 refueling tankers, as well as C-5 and C-17 transport planes. The KC-135s reportedly arrived alongside the B-2s, and C-17s have played a key logistical role in supporting this deployment.
Additional satellite images confirm that two B-52 bombers have landed on Diego Garcia, which aligns with publicly available flight-tracking data. U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General Andrew Gebara acknowledged an ongoing “bomber task force movement involving B-52 aircraft,” though he did not specifically mention Diego Garcia or provide further details.
In a statement, the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) noted that it “routinely conducts global operations in coordination with other U.S. commands, services, and government agencies involved in combat operations to deter, detect, and, if necessary, defeat strategic attacks against the United States and its allies.” The command added that, for operational security reasons, it does not disclose specifics about exercises or missions.
The deployment of six B-2 bombers to Diego Garcia earlier this year was already seen as a significant show of force. The U.S. Air Force employs these aircraft for deep-penetration nuclear or conventional precision strikes within heavily defended enemy territory. Thanks to their stealth characteristics and payload capabilities, B-2s are uniquely suited for targeting hardened or deeply buried sites using GBU-57/B Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs), which are guided bunker-busting bombs. Each B-2 can carry two MOPs per mission, and it’s currently the only aircraft certified to operationally deploy this type of weapon.
There have been questions about whether using B-2s – costly to operate and maintain – is justified in operations against Houthi forces. The Yemeni fighters have demonstrated some air defense capabilities, having previously shot down several MQ-9 Reaper drones. This potential threat may partly explain the decision to rely on stealth aircraft like the B-2 in the region.
Andrew Gebara emphasized the strategic value of combining stealth bombers like the B-2 with non-stealth platforms such as the B-52. As previously noted, the U.S. Air Force is currently undergoing a major modernization of its B-52 fleet, with plans to extend its operational life at least through 2050.
The current concentration of U.S. airpower at Diego Garcia follows a recent announcement of a ceasefire agreement between the U.S. government and the Houthi movement. However, doubts remain about the effectiveness of the deal. The Houthis have stated they will continue targeting Israel until it halts its operations in Gaza – operations that were launched in response to attacks by Palestinian militant groups on October 7, 2023.
Replacing the B-2s with B-52s could reflect a shift toward supporting ongoing diplomatic efforts while preserving stealth capabilities for potential future operations involving the Houthis or Iran. The cost and specialized maintenance requirements of the six B-2s currently deployed may influence a decision to redeploy them now that B-52s have arrived. Space constraints at the airfield – particularly the limited availability of hardened shelters – are another factor. While it’s possible both bomber types might remain stationed at Diego Garcia, this scenario appears unlikely given the logistical considerations.
Source: twz
