RAMSTEIN, Germany - U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer strategic bombers conducted a long-range mission from their deployed location at Luleå-Kallax Air Base, Sweden on 29 Feb, 2024, returning to Ellsworth AFB, where the B-1Bs are permanently stationed.
This serves as a stellar illustration of NATO's collective deterrence and air defence capabilities. In the face of today's uncertain global security landscape, preparedness for any scenario is paramount
The bombers and their crews were operating as part of the Bomber Task Force deployment 24-2. The objectives of this particular mission were to exercise multinational cooperation, demonstrate collective deterrence, and test air defence capabilities. To achieve this, the B-1s flew as a simulated adversary and received intercepts from various NATO fighter aircraft across the Arctic, North Sea, and the Greenland, Iceland, and U.K. gap. All training objectives were met.
U.S. Air Force Airmen inspect a B-1B bomber during Bomber Task Force 24-2 at Luleå-Kallax Air Base, Sweden. Strategic bomber operations provide strategic options to assure Allies and partners, while deterring potential adversary aggression across the globe. Photo by Jake Jacobsen.
A U.S. Air Force B-1B bomber at Luleå-Kallax Air Base, Sweden,
alongside two Saab JAS 39 Gripen during Bomber Task Force 24-2. These missions enable crews to maintain a high state of readiness proficiency and validate an always-ready, global strike capability. Photo by Jake Jacobsen.
A U.S. Air Force B-1B bomber sits on a landing pad at Luleå-Kallax Air Base, Sweden, during Bomber Task Force 24-2. These missions are representative of the U.S.' extended deterrent commitment to its Allies and partners and enhance regional security. Photo by Jake Jacobsen.
"This serves as a stellar illustration of NATO's collective deterrence and air defence capabilities," remarked General James Hecker, commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa and NATO Allied Air Command. "In the face of today's uncertain global security landscape, preparedness for any scenario is paramount. Through this exercise, we enhance interoperability within the NATO Alliance, reinforcing our commitment to collaborative efforts that foster international security and stability," he concluded.
“The U.S. is one of our most important partners and having them here at the base is very good logistic training for us to be able to host,” said Swedish Air Force Colonel Peter Greberg, Norrbotten Wing commander. “Unfortunately, I couldn’t fly on the mission myself, but I heard that it was really, really good. Being a bomber escort is not something we do regularly, so that was very good training,” he added.
The U.S. routinely demonstrates its commitment to NATO Allies and partners through BTF missions. Through these missions, USAFE-AFAFRICA enables dynamic force employment in the European theatre, providing strategic predictability and assurance for Allies and partners while contributing to deterrence by introducing greater operational unpredictability for potential adversaries.
Regular and routine deployments of U.S. strategic bombers also provide critical touch points to train and operate alongside our Allies and partners while bolstering a collective response to any global conflict.