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RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- Czech fighter aircraft escorted and drilled with the U.S. B-52 Stratofortress aircraft while flying over Europe on an integration mission to conduct bilateral and theatre familiarisation, February 21, 2022.

The bomber aircraft landed in the Czech Republic to practice quick-turn sortie regeneration, where the aircraft shuts off its engines, repacks its parachute and refuels in preparation for another mission. Performing these pre-flight manoeuvres from different locations enables Allied crews and aircraft to be quickly launched from a variety of Allied airfields, thereby extending the range of operations.

Operations like these truly enhance our interoperability with our Allies and Partners

"Operations like these truly enhance our interoperability with our Allies and Partners," said Gen. Jeff Harrigian, commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa and NATO's Allied Air Command. "We're baking-in the necessary skills to it increases our combined capabilities and readiness while allowing flexible and agile options for Allied bombers to respond to any changes in the operational environment."

The bomber aircraft landed in the Czech Republic to practice quick-turn sortie regeneration, where the aircraft shuts off its engines, repacks its parachute and refuels in preparation for another mission on February 21, 2022. Photo courtesy of Czech Ministry of Defence. 

Fighter aircraft from the Czech Republic also joined the bombers in the air and executed a range of manoeuvres to support flying training objectives and interoperability between Allies and Partners.

Bomber Task Force missions enhance the readiness and training necessary to respond to any potential crisis or challenge across the globe. BTF mission offer unique opportunities for allies and partners to strengthen collective deterrence and security throughout the region.