The USAF sent three B-2A Spirit stealth bombers to Orland Air Force Station, Norway, part of Bomber Task Force Europe 21-1.
The aircraft took off from Whiteman Air Base, Missouri and made a technical stopover at Campo de Lajes, Azores, Portugal, where they conducted a hot pit, refueling with engines running, after which they headed towards northern Europe.
The three stealth bombers team up on a mission over the arctic with two bombers B-1B Lancer that are based in Norway since last month, thus marking the first operation of these aircraft in the European country.
“Bomber Task Force missions are critical to maintaining our global competitive advantage”, Lieutenant General Stephen Basham, deputy commander, US Air Forces Europe-Air Force Africa, said in a public statement. “The importance of providing airmen with the opportunity to train in unique environments cannot be overstated.”
Ex Baltic Trident underway. So far, x3 KC-135 tankers from Mildenhall have landed at RAF Fairford (more expected). Be interesting to see if the Norway B-1s are involved. https://t.co/gW1GiY9yoD pic.twitter.com/ccDL85hgq1
—Saint1 (@Saint1Mil) March 15, 2021
In of the bombers' mission, KC-135 aircraft fueled the aircraft during t training flights over the arctic.
It is worth highlighting the recent operations of the B-1B Lancer in the region, for the first time the aircraft landed at an air base in the Arctic Circle, this action demonstrates the partnership between NATO member nations.
