Two US B-52H Stratofortress bombers were escorted by a pair of Swedish Air Force JAS-39C Gripen fighters in a t maneuver. The exercise also had the participation of British, Swedish, American and Danish soldiers on the ground. The operation took place in the Småland region in southern Sweden.
The B-52s participated in an air-to-ground integration training, where JTACs (t Terminal Attack Controllers) from Sweden, USA and Denmark coordinated movements with the bombers. Meanwhile, two Gripen fighters were escorting the American aircraft.
The JTAC are military personnel specialized in controlling and coordinating aircraft in close air missions. In communication with the aviators, the JTAC coordinates and direct the aircraft to attack an enemy troop with precision, avoiding fratricide (friendly fire).
“Drills like this are a very important part of Sweden's defensive capability. Collaborating with the United States increases our ability to defend Sweden and contributes to stability and security in our immediate area.” says the head of operations Swedish Armed Forces, Michael Claesson.
Although Sweden is not a member of NATO, it is considered a partner nation, and it is common for the Swedish armed forces to train with the Organization. The same also applies to neighboring Finland and other partners in the military alliance led by the United States.
“The level of quality and precision we bring to our exercises ensures our success in collective readiness,” said Lieutenant General Steven L. Basham, deputy commander, US Air Forces Europe and Africa (USAFE). "All aircraft we train in this theater promote deterrence through regional and global security."
According to Allied Air Command of NATO, the B-52 is part of a group of four aircraft that arrived in the UK last week for a Bomber Task Force (BTF) mission.
According to the military alliance, the operation was previously scheduled, but the move comes at the same time that Russia threatens an invasion of Ukraine, drawing more attention than usual. This week, a B-52 was escorted by British and Israeli fighter jets during a flight that lasted almost 24 hours.
