[foxyv]

The only situation I can think of bombers like the B-52 (non deep strike bombers) being practical is against an enemy without serious air defenses. Think Syria, Iran, North Korea, etc... Perhaps as a retaliatory strike against non conventional attacks with WMDs like chemical and nuclear attacks via container ships and terrorism.

[cameldrv]

The B-52s don't carry bombs anymore, they carry cruise missiles. They drop off eight of em about 1000 miles from the target and turn around. It is still very questionable whether the AGM-86 is viable penetrating Russian airspace, but at least they have eight times as many targets to deal with.

[bactrian]

You blow a hole in the border with the first plane. Then fly the rest through. EMP attacks can also blow a hole.