The U.S. Department of Defense equips B-52s with SRAM missiles. There are 12 missiles per aircraft, launched from a rotating turret system. Each missile carries a 200,000-ton nuclear payload and is intended to destroy Soviet aircraft and air defenses, giving the B-52 a better chance of reaching its target. Cruise missiles are also being developed, which, when operational, will allow the B-52s to avoid even entering Soviet airspace and launch them from 1,600 kilometers away from the target.
