A pair of B-2 stealth bombers, three B-52 Stratofortresses and three B-1 Lancers have deployed to Royal Air Force Fairford in Gloucestershire, England.
A spokesman for the base said the aircraft are being used ‘in support of exercises BALTOPS (Baltic operations), Saber Strike and Arctic Challenge taking place in the U.S. European Command area of responsibility.’
He told the Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: ‘The deployment of strategic bombers strengthens the effectiveness of RAF Fairford as the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa’s forward operating bomber location’ and the deployment of the bombers provide: ‘important integration and interaction with our joint partners, UK and NATO allies.’
Despite their use solely being for exercise purposes currently, the aircraft are capable of delivering a nuclear strike and have been used in Iraq and Afghanistan in the past. – Daily Mail
This was the first time in history that all three of the Air Force Global Strike Command’s strategic bomber aircraft have been in Europe at the same time.
Featured image of a B-1B Lancer, B-2 Spirit and B-52 Stratofortress parked on the ramp at Royal Air Force Fairford, U.K., June 12, 2017 by Airman 1st Class Randahl Jenson, US Air Force
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