CBP

#CBP

The term Continuous Bomber Presence (CBP) refers to the strategic deployment of long-range bombers—typically by the United States Air Force—in key regions to maintain deterrence, assurance of allies, and rapid strike capability.

It has been a central part of U.S. military posture in regions like the Indo-Pacific and Europe.

What Is Continuous Bomber Presence?

CBP means:

• Keeping U.S. strategic bombers (e.g., B-52H, B-1B, B-2 Spirit) forward-deployed or regularly rotated through strategic bases.

• Operating 24/7 readiness for strike, surveillance, or show-of-force missions.

• Maintaining predictable and credible deterrence against adversaries like China, Russia, or North Korea.

CBP in the Indo-Pacific

Andersen Air Force Base (Guam)

• From 2004 to 2020, Guam hosted permanently rotating bomber units under CBP.

• Aircraft: B-52s, B-1Bs, B-2s.

• Purpose: Deter China and North Korea, reassure allies like Japan, South Korea, Australia.

Post-2020: Shift to Dynamic Force Employment (DFE)

• Trump-era change: CBP replaced with unpredictable bomber task force (BTF) missions.

• Same strategic effect, but less predictable: harder for adversaries to track routines.

• Guam, Diego Garcia, Australia (Tindal), and Alaska remain key staging points.

CBP in Europe

Bomber Task Force (BTF) Europe

• Since 2018, bombers rotate through RAF Fairford (UK) and other NATO airfields.

• Strategic aim: deter Russia, especially post-Crimea and post-2022 Ukraine invasion.

• Joint training with NATO allies across Europe and Eastern flank (Poland, Romania).

Typical Missions

• Long-range patrols near adversary airspace (e.g., East China Sea, Baltic Sea)

• Integration drills with allied fighter jets and command/control systems

• Simulated nuclear strike exercises (e.g., Global Thunder)

• Rapid deployment exercises showing ability to project power globally within hours

Why It Matters

Objective Role of CBP

Deterrence Show adversaries that U.S. can strike globally at any time

Reassurance Signal to allies (e.g. South Korea, Japan, NATO) of U.S. commitment

Readiness Maintain pilot, crew, and equipment proficiency in forward environments

Strategic Messaging Political signaling during crises or provocations

Future Outlook

Trends

More multi-domain integration with space and cyber

Increased use of autonomous drones with bomber formations

Larger presence in the Arctic and Indo-Pacific

Expansion of co-deployment exercises with NATO, AUKUS, and QUAD partners

Risks

• Escalation or near-incidents with Russian/Chinese interceptors

• Cost and logistics of sustaining long-distance operations

• Increased vulnerability to long-range precision missiles (A2/AD threats)

Summary

The Continuous Bomber Presence—whether permanent or under Bomber Task Force operations—is a pillar of U.S. power projection and deterrence. It combines mobility, credibility, and strategic ambiguity, allowing the U.S. to shape adversary behavior without permanent basing or escalation.

#B2_Spirit