Three United States Air Force (USAF) Northrop Grumman B-2A Spirit stealth bombers have been deployed at Keflavík Airport, Iceland. There, the stealth aircraft will be based during a Bomber Task Force (BTF) mission.
Aircraft from the 509th Bomb Wing, from Whiteman Air Force Base, arrived in Iceland on Monday (23). During the mission, the military will participate in training in Europe and Africa. According to the USAF, the BTF missions, which have been taking place since 2018, provide theater familiarization for aircrew and opportunities for U.S. integration with NATO allies and regional partners. Bomber missions increase readiness and provide the training needed to respond to any crisis or potential challenge around the world.
Three B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, assigned to Whiteman Air Force Base, arrive at Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, on August 23, 2021. The stealth bombers will take part in their first-ever forward operation out of Iceland. Photo by Airman 1st Class Victoria Hommel#aviation pic.twitter.com/AnIqHAsQQA
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“Regular cooperation of bomber activities with allies and partners helps us to better address the challenges of today’s complex global security environment,” said General Jeff Harrigian, commander of US Air Forces Europe and Air Forces Africa (USAFE). “Strong partnerships are essential to our ability to deter, defend and win.”
Strategic bomber missions showcase the Air Force's ability to continue to fly missions, maintain readiness, and our allies and partners around the world. To align with the Department of Defense, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and host nation policy, all United States Air Force personnel immediately entered a movement restriction upon arrival in Iceland. Personnel were medically examined prior to travel.
The USAF has about 19 B-2 bombers in service. The aircraft was secretly developed by Northrop Grumman in the 1980s and is capable of carrying 23 tonnes of conventional, smart, cluster or nuclear bombs. In the future, the B-2 will be replaced by the B-21 Raider.
Keflavík Airport was built by US armed forces during World War II and was extensively used as a military base during the Cold War, housing US Navy and USAF units such as the 57th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, called the Black Knights. from Keflavik. The squadron was active between 1940 and 1995 and operated famous fighters such as the F-15 Eagle, F-4 Phantom II, P-51 Mustang P-40 Warhawk and others.
