Washington, DC, June 20 - The United States has stationed four B-52H Stratofortress bombers at the Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia, a strategically vital base in the Indian Ocean, as reported by an AFP analysis of satellite imagery from June 16, 2025. This deployment coincides with heightened tensions in the Middle East, particularly the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, which had entered its fifth consecutive day at the time of the sighting. Diego Garcia, leased to the United States by Britain, serves as one of the U.S. military’s key facilities in the Asia-Pacific region. Its remote location, approximately 2,358 miles from Iran, offers a secure staging ground largely beyond the reach of Iranian missiles and drones, making it an ideal hub for long-range operations. Historically, the base has played a pivotal role in supporting U.S. air campaigns, including during the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, where it facilitated bomber missions and naval operations.
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The B-52H Stratofortresses, capable of carrying both nuclear warheads and precision-guided conventional munitions, were observed on the southern tarmac of Diego Garcia at 9:14 AM GMT on June 16, 2025 imagery from Planet Labs further revealed the presence of a C-17 Globemaster III, a troop and cargo transport plane, and six KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft, underscoring the scale of the deployment. The Pentagon has confirmed it is bolstering its capabilities in the Middle East, with additional resources, including the USS Nimitz, moving toward the Indian Ocean.
This military buildup appears to be a response to the escalating regional conflict, particularly Israel’s airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and military targets, which began on June 13, 2025, and Iran’s retaliatory ballistic missile strikes. The U.S. deployment signals a readiness to project power and potentially deter further Iranian aggression, given the B-52’s capacity for long-range strikes against hardened targets. Diego Garcia’s strategic significance cannot be overstated. Located in the Chagos Archipelago, the base features a deep-water port, a long runway capable of accommodating heavy bombers, and advanced satellite communication systems, enabling real-time command and control.
Its isolation provides a defensive advantage, as it remains out of range of most regional threats, unlike U.S. bases in the Middle East or aircraft carriers closer to conflict zones. The recent agreement between Britain and Mauritius, transferring sovereignty of the Chagos Islands while allowing continued U.S. military use, ensures Diego Garcia’s long-term role as a critical node for logistics, surveillance, and deterrence. The presence of the B-52s, alongside support aircraft, highlights the U.S. commitment to maintaining operational readiness and reinforcing its strategic posture amid a volatile geopolitical landscape, with implications for both regional stability and global power dynamics.