The US military tested the ability of the B-52H Stratofortress nuclear bomber to drop inert mines. The tests took place at the Pacific Missile Range Facility, Hawaii, in early March 2023.

What is known

The ammunition combines the Mk64 underwater mine concept with the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) guidance kit. The result is a 2,000-pound (900 kg) QuickStrike Extended Range (QS-ER) bomb that can be launched up to 40 nautical miles (76 km) from 35,000 feet (10.7 km).

The B-52H aircraft belonging to the 49th Test and Evaluation Squadron took part in the tests. The tests confirmed the ability of a nuclear bomber to launch the QS-ER while remaining at a safe distance.

Source: Pacific Air Forces