On Monday, two B-52 bombers flew support missions for the multinational maritime-focused exercise BALTOPS i.a. flying low approaches over the flagship in the exercise. The B-52 bombers then flew on to conduct interoperability training and a fly-by at the Estonian Capital of Tallinn with French Air Force Mirage 2000-5 and Royal Air Force Typhoon fighters currently augmenting NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission.
A visible demonstration of our capability to extend deterrence globally
“Long-range strategic bomber missions to the Baltic region are a visible demonstration of our capability to extend deterrence globally,” said General Jeff Harrigian, Commander of United States Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa, who is also in charge of NATO’s Allied Air Command.
On Thursday, B-2 Spirit stealth bombers conducted integration training with Norwegian F-35s during a long-range, long duration strategic bomber mission north of the Arctic Circle demonstrating fifth generation interoperability among Allies.
“NATO’s 5th-generation capability and integration are critical for air superiority and enables precision engagement in the most highly contested environments,” said General Harrigian, adding that operations and engagements with Allies and partners, in the Arctic region and elsewhere, demonstrate and strengthen shared commitment to global security and stability.