RAF F-35s pave the way for B-52s to drop live munitions on exercise in Norway
Royal Air Force F-35B Lightning jets, supported by RAF RC-135 Rivet Joint intelligence-gathering aircraft and Voyager tankers, have enabled a US Bomber Task Force carry out a live fire exercise on the northern coast of Norway.
In partnership with F-35s from the Royal Norwegian Air Force and US Air Force, the trilateral exercise involved the integration of data-sharing capabilities between the fifth-generation aircraft.
F-35 pilots from all three nations exchanged real-time tactical information for a unified air picture in the High North, demonstrating the aircraft's ability to operate as a force multiplier.
Group Captain Hannah Bishop, head of operational plans for the RAF, said: "Interoperability is vital to the defence of Nato's northern flank.
"This exercise has demonstrated important enduring strengths of our alliance - our ability to understand how each other operates, to share critical information quickly and to work seamlessly with each other."
The exercise revolved around F2T2 – find, fix, track and target – a military targeting method used to effectively identify, engage and neutralise targets in combat operations commonly associated with ISR and precision-strike missions.
General James Hecker, USAF Europe and Africa Commander, said: "The Arctic is a critical region for our collective security and global stability.
"Training with our Norwegian and UK Allies in this environment demonstrates our shared commitment to defending Nato's northern flank and adapting to emerging threats.
"Fifth-generation platforms are pivotal to maintaining air superiority in contested spaces, and exercises like this showcase their unmatched capability."
Nato air forces routinely exercise together over host nations or neighbouring international waters to integrate their tactics, techniques and procedures, and strengthen the alliance's ability to operate together.
The RAF and Royal Norwegian Air Force also form part of the Joint Expeditionary Force which, along with eight other northern European countries, provides a pool of ready, adaptable forces that can rapidly respond together either at home or around the world.
Brigadier General Tron Strand, Commander of the Joint Air Operations Centre in Norway, said: "This training event demonstrates the ability of the Norwegian Armed Forces to integrate with and leverage cutting-edge capabilities provided by the UK and US in multi-domain operations.
"In addition, the event provides an opportunity to develop, exercise and integrate our air command and control capability, to include F2T2, with close Allies.
"Together we are a credible deterrent, and if required, we are ready to defend the Arctic region."
The RAF's RC-135 Rivet Joint contributed to the intelligence picture as a dedicated electronic surveillance aircraft that soaks up electronic emissions from communications systems.
A Voyager from RAF Brize Norton provided air-to-air refuelling in the Norwegian Sea, ensuring RAF aircraft did not have to land to refuel, allowing them to stay airborne longer.
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