Joint Training Exercise: Norwegian Fighters Collaborate with US Strategic Bombers

United States and Arctic Nations Collaborate on Strategic Air Force Exercises

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For the third time this year, Norwegian fighter jets trained together with US strategic bombers. Four B-52H Stratofortresses from the US Air Force’s Barksdale Air Force Base, North Dakota, conducted a long-duration static bomber task force mission throughout the Arctic region on June 3, 2020. The flight included missions over the Arctic Ocean and Laptev Sea. Additionally, the aircraft coordinated training with Norwegian F-16s and F-35s.

“The Arctic is a strategic region with growing geopolitical and global importance, and these B-52 Task Force missions demonstrate our commitment to our partners and allies and our capability to deter, assure, and defend against an increasingly complex environment,” said Gen. Jeff Harrigian, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander. “The integration of our bombers across Europe and the Arctic is key to enhancing regional security.”

The U.S. Department of Defense is collaborating with Arctic nations and multinational and interagency partners to maintain a secure and stable region where nations work cooperatively to address common challenges. The US Air Force has, for some time now, conducted exercises in Europe with some of their capacities. Earlier this year, the Royal Norwegian Air Force conducted several joint exercises both over Iceland and Norway with the F-35s and F-16s. Being present in northern parts of Norway and having joint exercises with our allies is strategically important.

KC-135 Stratotankers from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, England, and the 168th Air Refueling Wing, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, refueled the B-52s to complete the round trip from Minot Air Force Base. B-52 Stratofortress is one of the US’s strategic bomber aircraft, as well as B1-Lancer and B-2 Spirit. Just last week, Norway got three new F-35s, and they have now received almost half of the planned fleet. In total, Norway will be fully operational with the F-35s by 2025.

Joint exercises with US B-52Hs, B-2 Bombers, and Norwegian Fighter Jets
Two US B-52H bombers belonged to the bomber task force and flew alongside Norwegian F-35s and F-16s over Norway on May 20, 2020. Photo by Julie Hauge, Norwegian Armed Forces.

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