Fighter jets from NATO countries intercepted two long-range U.S. heavy bombers in intensive Arctic drills, as tensions increase between the alliance and Moscow.
The pair of B-52H Stratofortress aircraft took part in NATO’s Tower Citadel exercises with Dutch, Danish and Swedish jets on Monday.
Newsweek has contacted NATO for comment.
File photo: People view an Air Force Boeing B-52 Stratofortress at the Miramar Air Show on September 28, 2024 in San Diego, California.
Kevin Carter//Getty Images
Why It Matters
Monday’s drills come three months after two of the same U.S. bombers were intercepted by Russian fighter jets near Kaliningrad.
President Donald Trump may have been critical of NATO, but as the alliance grapples with the prospect of a reduced American role, cooperation among members is ongoing. There has also been a spike in Russian jets flying near North America and NATO’s eastern members.
What To Know
The B-52H Stratofortress is a long-range, heavy bomber that can fly at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet and carry nuclear or precision-guided conventional ordnance, according to the U.S. Air Force.
The backbone of the U.S. strategic bomber force, the B-52H can drop or launch gravity bombs, cluster bombs, precision-guided missiles and joint direct attack munitions.
As part of Bomber Task Force 25-2, the two U.S. aircraft took part in a simulated interception and air defense exercise with Royal Netherlands Air Force F-35 Lightning IIs, Royal Danish Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons, and Swedish JAS 39 Gripens.
U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA) Bomber Task Force chief Lieutenant Colonel Kendall Smith said that the drills tested reaction times and power projection abilities against simulated airborne threats.
The same day, four U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress bombers and aircrews that were part of Bomber Task Force 25-2 returned to Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, after 13 missions across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
While deployed, the aircraft operated as the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron out of RAF Fairford, in the United Kingdom. In total, the squadron completed 13 operational missions with more than 20 allies and partners, including air and land forces from Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
The Arctic region and airspace near NATO members have seen escalating tensions stemming from Western backing for Ukraine against Russia’s aggression.
On November 25, two B-52 Stratofortress bombers were intercepted by Russian SU-27 fighter jets near Russia’s Baltic Sea exclave of Kaliningrad, according to a U.S. official cited by Reuters.
The U.S. bombers were in the Baltic Sea region to train with their NATO ally Finland, which shares has a 833-mile border with Russia. As a recent joiner to the alliance, Finland said it has faced threats from Moscow.
What People Are Saying
Lieutenant Colonel Kendall Smith, Bomber Task Force chief for U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa, said: “Training alongside Allies and partners enhances interoperability and ensures seamless coordination and communication ahead of potential real-world scenarios.”
Major General Joseph Campo, director of operations, strategic deterrence, and nuclear integration for USAFE-AFAFRICA, said: “Bomber Task Force missions reinforce our ability to rapidly project combat power, demonstrating U.S. lethality and readiness.”
What Happens Next
The threat posed by Russia has added to the urgency of upcoming NATO drills. This month, Latvia announced it would host joint military exercises with alliance members in the coming months, which will simulate operations against Russia.
Solar Eclipse drills commence in Latvia on March 24, Crystal Arrow maneuvers are scheduled for May 6 to 16, and these coincide with Swift Response exercises, which include USAFE-AFAFRICA Supreme Command.
Then, on June 5, BALTOPS [Baltic Operations] annual military exercise maneuvers will take place at sea, but there will also be land, air, cyberspace and even space components.
