USAF stealth bombers arrive in Iceland to showcase America's commitment to collective defence
Three US Air Force B-2 Spirits and more than 150 aviators have arrived in Keflavik, Iceland, to take part in a Bomber Task Force (BTF) Europe operation with Nato allies.
Also known as a stealth bomber, the B-2 Spirit is one of the most strategically significant aircraft in the world.
Leading the expeditionary bomber crew on their deployment is Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Kousgaard, commander of the 393rd Bomb Squadron, who said: "That doesn't mean it's inflexible; dynamically deploying the bombers forward is a unique and important capability."
The B-2 Spirit is a multi-role bomber capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions.
Its stealth characteristics give B-2 Spirits the unique ability to penetrate an enemy's most sophisticated defenses and threaten its most valued and heavily defended targets.
393rd Bomb Squadron's purpose while in Iceland with the B-2 Spirits is to engage in Bomber Task Force missions, a vital component of US European Command's collaborative training efforts with allies, partners and US joint forces.
Bomber Task Force Europe provides US and Nato leaders with strategic options to defend from enemy aggression against the alliance, throughout Europe and across the globe.
These operations not only showcase the United States' commitment to collective defence but also seamlessly integrate with operations conducted by America's geographic combatant commands in locations such as Africa, the Middle East, the Indo-Pacific and Europe.
This BTF initiative was designed to bolster United States European Command's overarching security mandates across the European continent while also allowing aircrews to acclimatise themselves to the intricacies of joint and coalition operations in foreign locations.
General James Hecker, commander of US Air Forces in Europe and US Air Forces Africa and Nato Allied Command, said: "Each Bomber Task Force mission underscores the prowess of our armed forces in navigating today's intricate and unpredictable global security terrain, with a focus on fostering stability, security and freedom across Europe.
"In resolute unity, the US upholds our nation's commitment to foster peace and stability in Europe, unwaveringly collaborating with allies and partners to thwart challenges against the sovereignty of nations across the region."
The presence of the B-2 at Keflavik airbase serves as a tangible link between US Air Force personnel and their counterparts in the theatre of operations.
This connection helps collaborative training, ultimately increasing interoperability and underscoring the unwavering dedication of the US to the region.
Elaborating on the importance of joint training exercises with allies, Lt Col Kousgaard highlighted his unit's role in enhancing collective military capabilities and increasing the probability of successfully accomplishing shared objectives, saying: "There is simply no substitute for the hands-on integration with our allies and partners that we're able to accomplish during a BTF deployment like this one."
Beyond bolstering combat readiness, the BTF initiative enables aviators to engage in a wide spectrum of military operations, encompassing everything from combat missions to humanitarian aid and disaster relief efforts.
Regular and routine deployments of US strategic bombers provide critical touchpoints to train and operate alongside allies and partners while bolstering the US' collective response to any global conflict.
Join Our Newsletter
