Two U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortresses have conducted the first live weapons drop in Sweden since the country joined NATO.
The aircraft, participating in Bomber Task Force Mission VIKING NEBULA, were escorted by two Swedish JAS 39 Gripens to the Vidsel Test Range, where they released GBU-38 joint direct attack munitions.
According to U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa, the mission was designed to refine precision strike capabilities in coordination with Swedish and U.S. Joint Terminal Attack Controllers on the ground. The operation highlights increased interoperability between NATO and Sweden following its accession to the alliance.
The mission also featured a low-formation flyover of the Swedish Parliament, marking the one-year anniversary of Sweden’s NATO membership. The B-52s and their aircrew are currently stationed at RAF Fairford in England with the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron.
VIKING NEBULA represents the eleventh operation completed during this iteration of the Bomber Task Force mission. The USAF stated that these exercises aim to strengthen cooperation with NATO allies, enhance regional security, and ensure readiness for complex operational scenarios.
The Bomber Task Force (BTF) mission is a strategic initiative by the U.S. Air Force designed to project power, enhance global stability, and strengthen interoperability with allies through the routine deployment of bomber aircraft. These missions involve periodic rotations of B-1B Lancers, B-2 Spirits, and B-52H Stratofortresses to key locations worldwide, ensuring that U.S. bomber crews remain proficient in long-range strike operations while integrating with partner air forces. BTF operations also provide an opportunity to refine precision strike capabilities, conduct deterrence patrols, and support NATO’s collective defence objectives in Europe, the Indo-Pacific, and other regions of strategic importance.
The flexibility and unpredictability of BTF deployments allow the U.S. Air Force to maintain readiness while reassuring allies of its ability to respond swiftly to emerging threats.
Is Trump going to shut down BTF activities in Europe?
Dont know….but I do understand csome north European military leadership, military educational, training and think-tank establishments are currently backing away from certain strategic forums with US participation until they get better clarity on what direction the US leadership is actually heading….prudent or paranoid?
Bloody Yanks have lost the plot, who else they going to bomb ?
That’s very kind of them 🤗