U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress integrates with Allies

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron flies during operation APEX COMMANDER in international airspace on Feb. 11, 2025. During the mission, the U.S. aircraft integrated with French Dassault Rafales, Swedish Saab JAS 39 Gripens, and Finnish F/A-18C Hornets, in support of Bomber Task Force 25-2 operations. Integration is an essential element of agility and allows NATO forces to readily adapt to dynamic security environments.

Bombers arrive in Europe for BTF 25-2

Published Feb. 13, 2025
By U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa Public Affairs

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --

U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress strategic bombers have arrived in Europe as part of a routine Bomber Task Force-Europe deployment, underscoring the U.S.’ shared commitment to regional security and NATO’s collective defense.

Throughout the deployment, the bombers will participate in a series of exercises and training flights alongside Allied air forces, building cohesion and sharpening collective capabilities.

“Bomber Task Force missions reinforce our ability to rapidly project combat power, demonstrating U.S. lethality and readiness in a dynamic security environment,” said Maj. Gen. Joseph Campo, U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa Director of Operations, Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration. “Training alongside our Allies and partners ensures seamless integration, enhancing our collective deterrence and warfighting capability across Europe and Africa.”

While transiting into Europe, the U.S. aircraft conducted a routine mission with France, Sweden and Finland.

While deployed, the bomber aircraft will continue to integrate with NATO Allies and partners, conducting joint training missions designed to enhance interoperability and readiness across the theater. This integration highlights the importance of dynamic force employment, which ensures U.S. forces are strategically postured to deter aggression while adapting to the evolving security environment. The missions will also demonstrate the bombers’ ability to operate from multiple forward locations, exemplifying EUCOM’s approach to agility and dynamic force employment.

“Training with NATO allies strengthens our ability to operate as one team,” said Lt. Col. Joseph Cangealose, commander 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron. “These missions reinforce our partnerships and prepare us to deliver decisive capabilities whenever and wherever they’re needed.”