Four U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortresses, assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, arrived at RAF Fairford, England, on November 8, 2024, for Bomber Task Force 25-1.
Before landing at RAF Fairford, the B-52s conducted joint training with Finnish F-18 Hornets and Swedish JAS 39 Gripens, demonstrating the U.S. Air Force’s strategic integration with European air forces.
During the deployment, the B-52s will operate as the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, working alongside NATO Allies to synchronize military capabilities and reaffirm security commitments across the U.S. European Command area of responsibility.
“This Bomber Task Force mission exemplifies our unwavering commitment to our European Allies and partners,” said Gen. James Hecker, commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa. “Together, we build stronger, more strategic relationships that reinforce security and stability across the region.”
U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) continues to enable dynamic force employment in the European theatre, enhancing strategic predictability and demonstrating the capability of U.S. bombers to operate seamlessly with NATO Allies. Hecker added, “Through these missions, we not only demonstrate the global reach of our bomber forces but also the strength of our collective partnerships in Europe.”
Regular deployments like this one serve to assure NATO Allies of U.S. support while contributing to deterrence efforts by introducing operational unpredictability for potential adversaries. “Our ability to work side-by-side with Allies is a key advantage,” Hecker added.
“This sends a message of assurance to our friends while deterring potential aggressive actions by strategic competitors.”
The Bomber Task Force-Europe deployments, say the U.S. Air Force, underscore the United States’ dedication to maintaining global stability and reinforcing its alliances across Europe. By working in concert with NATO partners, the U.S. say it aims to enhance collective security measures and contribute to the defence of Europe amidst evolving global threats.
Past rotations have included B-52 Stratofortress and B-1B Lancer bombers, which have flown from bases in the continental U.S. to temporary operating locations across Europe, including RAF Fairford in the UK.
During these rotations, U.S. bombers have engaged in a range of training exercises alongside NATO allies, such as air-to-ground strike simulations, maritime support operations, and electronic warfare drills. Missions frequently involve close coordination with NATO fighter jets, naval vessels, and ground forces.
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One has to wonder what deterrence value some very older bombers have when the US president elect is currently on the phone to Russia negotiating a US surrender.
I agree in as much as the USA itself is becoming increasingly unpredictable over time. Even before that becomes the potential for unreliability the UK and Europe’s planning scenarios will surely lead to the realisation that Europe as a whole must become a self sustaining military power group. The knowledgeable contributors to UKDJ (not me!), have been saying this for some years and even our politicians are making the right noises.
I look forward to some positive action after the next review, not another round of saying the obvious without firm action.
If the U.K. hadn’t lost it’s corporate balls over the last quarter centruy we would be in a position to really promote the pan Atlantic partnership. As things stand i think we’ll be lucky to keep what we’ve got.
What’s AUKUS about then? I can’t see the uk can do anything different with the US or anything more. It’s not the UK leaving the Atlantic partnership it’s the USA checking out of the world.
I didn’t realise that AUKUS had anything to do with the the traditional view that the UK was the Atlantic link betweent the U.S. and Europe. Do enlighten me Jim
Shows that the US values it’s relationship with the UK over anyone else.shows the UK adds more value than any other US ally.
I think that’s what I said but there is no doubt that we would have more clout if we had more kit.
Of course, B-52s would be employed as stand-off weapons platforms in a peer conflict.
Why can’t any European nations have their own bombers ? Always wondered sure if some banded together we can do it if Russia can have some then we can get it but that might just be me being naive
We’re all allies mate.. Have you seen the size of the USA? Have you seen the shear amount of space, land, money, military facilities and aviation production they have. If we need to defend against Russia or china we need all the help we can get! Believe me and the b-52 is a tried and tested war machine and it’s not as if we’ve not helped them out in very similar ways in the past.. if you want your tax money to go on a load of yet to be designed bombers mate give them a call but your a… Read more »
For one we don’t need that sort of intercontinental range. If we are thinking of Russia they are on our doorstep. Our multirole fighter bombers can carry cruise missiles to hit Russia.
If war broke out with Russia there is no way we would see b52s carpet bombing anyone, that would be suicidal. That’s a niche role for limited conflicts and isn’t justifiable spending.
Actually, that might be an intriguing theoretical option. Not certain USAF would authorize release of B-21 tech to any ENATO entity other than the RAF, but USAF would probably not resist a pooled NATO effort to purchase the a/c on behalf of the RAF. Whether other governments would exercise the enlightened aelf-interest to subsidize the RAF…🤔
… self-interest…🙄
We can’t afford them.
Why have we not got navel war ships in the water stopping illegal invasion instead of RNLI picking them up
Starmer is scared of his own shadow.
Such nonsense, how can the lumbering 50 year old B52 be any deterrent in this age of missile air defence systems and hyper sonic nuclear bomb delivery? US pretending to support by sending their scrap metal to Europe, I think.
US gives with one hand and takes with the other
There isnothing scrap about the B52, it has been upgraded and is still a very capable weapon platform. Other airforces are still operating turbo props.
Deterrent my ass. These things are more bluster and posturing they’d be downed before they got close to Russia
These obsolete monoliths are as much use as the heavy brigade, we may as well send the light brigade. All that B52’s will achieve for us is target preference from an enemy. I must admit though “love shack” is in my top 100. 😉✌️❤️
Why post a news item that is nearly a week out of date ?.