How is that big lumbering plane still battle worthy, given advances in technology of "painting" targets for missiles?

The B-52H has undergone extensive modernization to maintain its relevance as a long-range strategic bomber, now carrying a diverse mix of precision-guided conventional and nuclear weapons. Its current loadout includes:
1. AGM-86B Air-Launched Cruise Missiles (ALCM): Nuclear-tipped, with 20 total capacity (8 on a Conventional Rotary Launcher (CRL) in the bomb bay and 12 on underwing pylons). 2. AGM-158B JASSM-ER (Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile): Precision-guided, non-nuclear standoff missile; the CEM upgrade allows internal carriage on CRLs, increasing capacity from 12 to 20.
3. Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM): GPS/INS-guided bombs in 500-pound and 2,000-pound variants; up to 20 can be carried, often in mixed configurations.
4. Wind-Corrected Munitions Dispensers (WCMD): Precision-guided cluster munitions.
5. AGM-142 Raptor, AGM-84 Harpoon, and AGM-154 JSOW glide bombs for anti-ship and standoff strike roles.
6. ADM-160 MALD (Miniature Air-Launched Decoy): Electronic warfare decoy to confuse enemy air defenses.
7. Quickstrike naval mines (with JDAM-ER guidance kits) for maritime interdiction.
8. Psychological warfare payloads like the PDU-5/B leaflet dispenser.
The B-52 is also being upgraded with Combat Network Communications Technology (CONECT), enabling Link 16, real-time targeting, and machine-to-machine tasking. Future upgrades include the Radar Modernization Program (AESA radar by 2026), Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP) - replacing engines with Rolls-Royce F130-200s to create the B-52J - and integration of the Long-Range Stand-Off (LRSO) nuclear cruise missile.