America’s Redeployment of B-1B Bombers to Guam Signals Intention to Continue Military Pressure Against China in East Asia

The U.S. Air Force redeployed four B-1B intercontinental range heavy bombers to Guam, which were dispatched from Dyess Air Force Base Texas on May 1st. The bombers ended the first period in 16 years where Guam’s Andersen Air Force Base had not housed any heavy bombers, after bombers were withdrawn in mid April, and the new deployment is thought to signal America’s continued willingness to apply military pressure against the People’s Republic of China. The B-1B is the only class of Western bomber capable fo supersonic flight, and although not nuclear capable it can be equipped for both precision strikes and ship hunting. While only a very small fraction of the B-1B fleet is currently operational due to very serious ongoing maintenance issues, even a small number of the aircraft can boast considerable firepower and engage targets from well beyond the range of enemy air defences and interceptors. B-1B bombers were deployed under the 9th Bomb Squadron, 7th Bomb Wing. China has responded to the potential threat of attacks from Guam by demonstrating the capabilities of its own main bomber, the H-6, to strike the territory. Ballistic missiles such as the DF-26, and upcoming Chinese H-20 stealth bombers, only further increase the vulnerability of American facilities on the territory.