American B-52 bombers in the air near Venezuela

Two US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bombers were observed flying inside the Maiquetía Flight Information Region north of Los Roques, Venezuela, on Wednesday afternoon, as tensions between Washington and Caracas continued to build.

At the time of writing, the aircraft remained visible on public flight-tracking sites, where they appeared to circle repeatedly within the Venezuelan-controlled FIR before briefly disappearing from civilian radar and then reappearing as they continued south.

The flight path brought the bombers close to La Orchila and Gran Roque, both Venezuelan islands with military facilities.

The timing also followed comments from US President Donald Trump, who claimed a US strike had destroyed a small boat allegedly carrying narcotics off the Venezuelan coast, killing six people.

The flight profile is somewhat consistent with long-range training and deterrence patrols routinely conducted by B-52s from Barksdale Air Force Base across the Caribbean. These missions often test endurance, navigation, and joint coordination with regional partners, However, the proximity of this particular patrol to Venezuelan territory and its visibility on open tracking platforms suggested a deliberate signalling exercise.

The B-52

The B-52 Stratofortress is a long-range strategic bomber that has been in continuous service since the 1950s. The current B-52H model is powered by eight TF33 turbofan engines and has a wingspan of about 185 feet, with a total length just over 159 feet. The craft was built to carry large payloads over intercontinental distances, and that design focus still defines its role today. Despite its age, the airframe remains structurally sound and adaptable to modern missions.

The aircraft cruises at around Mach 0.8 and can reach altitudes of up to 50,000 feet. It is designed for endurance, with the ability to fly more than 8,000 miles without refuelling. In practice, its range is virtually unlimited when supported by air-to-air refuelling. A typical crew of five operates the bomber, handling flight control, navigation, electronic warfare, and weapons management.

The B-52’s payload capacity remains one of the largest of any combat aircraft. It can carry approximately 70,000 pounds of weapons internally and on external pylons. The loadout can include precision-guided bombs, cruise missiles, and maritime strike weapons, as well as nuclear munitions if required.

Over time, the bomber has been repeatedly upgraded with new electronics, communications, radar, and defensive systems. Current plans include a comprehensive re-engine programme and further avionics updates to support service into the 2050s.