6 weapons that allow the US to strike anywhere in the world

b-1 bomber boeing Boeing

When America decides to strike back at a threat, it has a lot of response options.

Here are 6 of the weapons that allow the U.S. to hit an enemy from across the planet:


Nuclear submarines

US Navy

The Navy uses three kinds of stealthy nuclear submarines to carry out missions around the world.

Attack submarines hunt enemy vessels but can also launch cruise missiles at land targets, guided missile subs carry up to 154 cruise missiles to strike land targets, and fleet ballistic missile submarines carry nuclear missiles that can wipe out entire cities.


B-2 bomber

Northrop Grumman

The B-2 stealth bomber is capable of piercing enemy air defense networks because of its stealthy design.

Even if enemies do spot it, missiles have trouble engaging the aircraft due to its reduced infrared, acoustic, electromagnetic, visual, and radar signatures.


Aircraft carriers

US Naval aircraft and aircraft from the Chilean Air Force participate in a fly-by adjacent to aircraft carrier USS George Washington. UNITAS 2015, the US Navy’s longest running annual multinational maritime exercise, is part of the Southern Seas deployment planned by US Naval Forces Southern Command/US 4th Fleet.
Lt. j.g. David Babka/USN

Always a favorite, aircraft carriers are floating bases that launch strike aircraft and provide a command center for naval forces. As the Navy likes to brag, they are "So big they carry their own zip code."

The Navy currently has 10 Nimitz-class carriers in active service and is bringing the first of the larger, more capable Ford-class carriers online this year.


Minuteman III missiles

An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile launches during an operational test from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California at 11:01 p.m on February 25, 2016.
REUTERS/Kyla Gifford/U.S. Air Force Photo/Handout via Reuters

The Air Force's Minuteman III missiles are focused on one mission: nuclear strikes. They have a range of 6,000 miles and each can carry up to three 335-kiloton warheads.

Under the START II treaty, the 400 active missiles are currently equipped with one warhead each. There are another 50 unarmed missiles held in reserve.


Special operators


While special operators aren't a weapon per se, their skills give America a useful option when it comes to striking enemy targets. Operators are capable of swimming, jumping, or rucking to target areas and conducting high stakes missions on short notice.

Green berets rode horses into Afghanistan when the U.S. began the war there and SEALs flew into Pakistan in helicopters to get Osama Bin Laden.


B-1 “BONE” Lancer

A B-1B Lancer takes off from Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, to conduct combat operations April 8, 2015. Al Udeid is a strategic coalition air base in Qatar that supports over 90 combat and support aircraft and houses more than 5,000 military personnel.
US Air Force/Senior Airman James Richardson

The B-1 Lancer began its career as a nuclear bomber but switched to a conventional role during the 1990s.

Ground troops know it as the "BONE" and love it for its huge bomb bays, long loiter times, and ability to quickly drop bombs on target when requested.


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