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News
NEWS | June 11, 2021

Bombers support operations in the Baltic Sea

By U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces in Africa Public Affairs

U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress aircraft from the 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, completed a mission within the international airspace in the Baltic region, June 7-9, 2021.

The mission included multiple stages across several days with aircraft from three Nordic nations and U.S. Navy assets conducting BALTOPS operations in the Baltic Sea.

The B-52H bombers were escorted by F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft from the Royal Netherlands Air Force and Royal Danish Air Force in and out of the Baltic airspace.

While over the Baltic Sea, the strategic bombers integrated with the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet assets in the Baltic Sea in support of the annual multi-domain exercise BALTOPS. The aircraft enabled multi-component capabilities that enhance NATO convergence and security of the region.       

The bomber aircraft also integrated with Swedish Saab JAS-39 Gripen fighter aircraft in Swedish airspace on both June 7 and June 9, 2021.

Forward locations enable collective defense capabilities. U.S. European Command lives, trains, and fights with the allies and partners from bases in Europe that are critical for more timely and coordinated response when needed.

“The safety and security of our Baltic and Nordic allies is an enduring priority for our force,” said Gen. Jeff Harrigian, NATO Allied Air Command and U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa commander. “This week’s multi-domain and cross-component integration is critical to ensuring we can always live up to the highest standard of support.”

Bomber Task Force missions demonstrate U.S. commitment to the collective defense of NATO and contribute to stability in the European theater. The ability to quickly respond and assure allies and partners rests upon the fact that U.S. forces are here, in Europe, forward and ready.

Continuing coverage of this deployment will be available on this website and on the DVIDS hub at: https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/bombertaskforceeurope.