Allied Air Force Fighters escort US Aircraft across all NATO Countries

Jun 1 2021

RAMSTEIN, Germany – US B-52s deployed to Morón Air Base, Spain flew over all European Allied nations escorted by Allied fighters along the way to demonstrate a visible presence of unity on 31 May, 21.

“Standing shoulder to shoulder during air operations like this builds the ‘muscle memory’ we need to ensure NATO can respond rapidly to any challenge,” said General Jeff Harrigian, Commander Allied Air Command.

Allied fighters took to the skies from Florennes, Belgium and Leeuwarden, Netherlands to meet the B-52s in central Europe over the BENELUX airspace. Simultaneously, fighters from Norway and Turkey accompanied other US aircraft across the far North and South of Alliance territory demonstrating the breadth of NATO solidarity. Different types of fighter aircraft also flew with US bombers through every NATO country in Europe and a US Command and Control E6-B flew from the US to Canada.

The aircraft assigned to Baltic Air Policing and enhanced Air Policing missions continued to secure the skies while national aircraft from all NATO countries accompanied the bombers.

The B-52s are currently deployed to Morón Air Base, Spain.

Since 2018, the US has conducted more than 200 Bomber Task Force sorties with Allies and partners.

Allied Sky is long planned which demonstrates the capabilities of the whole Alliance and its readiness to defend Allied territory.

Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office

A Belgian fighter pilot takes a self portrait with a US B-52 during the Allied Sky Bomber Task force. Allied Sky demonstrated a visible presence of unity on 31 May, 21. (Photo courtesy of Belgian Air Force)

Belgian f-16s escort a US B-52 through BENELUX airspace during the Allied Sky Bomber Task Force. Allied Sky demonstrated a visible display of unity on 31 May, 21. (Photo courtesy of Belgian Air Force)

A Danish fighter Pilot takes a self portrait with a US B-52 during the Allied Sky Bomber Task Force. Allied Sky demonstrated a visible presence of unity on 31 May, 21. (Photo courtesy of Royal Danish Air Force)