Twenty-First-Century Aerial Mining
On 23 September 2014, a B-52H bomber at high altitude north of Guam accomplished an aviation first--the release of a winged, precision aerial mine. This effort marked the first advance in aerial mine-delivery techniques since 1943, demonstrating a capability that substantially changes the possibilities for aerial mining in a threat environment and reintroducing a powerful deterrent into the arsenal. In a globalized world where potential adversaries heavily depend on maritime forces for power projection, logistical support, and commerce, standoff precision mines launched from aircraft can provide the president and secretary of defense with a powerful airpower addition to countermaritime capabilities.