RAMSTEIN, Germany - Following their latest deployment in Europe, U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bombers and supporting personnel returned to their home wing as Bomber Task Force (BTF) 25-1 concludes.
BTF comes to the European theatre a few times during the fiscal year; the month-long deployment provides Allied Forces unique training opportunities. Working side-by-side, nations participating in BTF exercises are able to refine their skills and further enhance interoperability.
Together, we build stronger, more strategic relationships that reinforce security and stability across the region
“This Bomber Task Force mission exemplifies our unwavering commitment to our European Allies and partners. Together, we build stronger, more strategic relationships that reinforce security and stability across the region,” said General James Hecker, Commander Allied Air Command.
The Finnish Air Force flew a training mission together with the B-52 Stratofortress in Finland. Photo curtesy of the Finnish Air Force
The bombers along with multi-domain forces operated together in Norwegian-led training in the High North. Photo curtesy of the US Air Force
BTF comes to the European theatre a few times during the fiscal year; the month-long deployment provides Allied Forces unique training opportunities. Photo courtesy of the US Air Force
Allies integrated at Lithuania's live-fire range during Bomber Task Force 25-1. Photo courtesy of the US Air Force
Whilst deployed and operating as the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, the Stratofortress bombers completed a number of integration exercises. November 14 to 15, the Stratofortress and an Italian Eurofighter Typhoon performed air-to-ground range training with targeting aid from Czech, Lithuanian, Norwegian and Swedish joint terminal attack controllers. Enabling aircrew to work with the coalition forces on the ground, creating a combat-ready force that has depth in capability and breadth in capacity.
On November 25, the Stratofortress conducted a simulated weapons drop training mission in Finland. During the mission, bombers integrated with Finnish F/A-18C Hornets and Swedish Air Force Saab JAS 39 Gripens.
In early December, Norwegian, United Kingdom and U.S. forces conducted a multi-domain find, fix, track and target exercise with fifth-generation aircraft in the High North. These exercises bolster Arctic defence and enhanced NATO interoperability as integrated multi-domain assets worked together to drop live-weapons on targets.
BTF missions underscore the transatlantic link and are a demonstration of NATO’s extended commitment to Allies to enhance regional security. The BTF deployments enable dynamic force employment in the European theatre and permit crews to maintain a high state of readiness and validate the U.S. Air Force’s global strike capability in multi-domain operations.