RAF F-35s Lead the Way for B-52s in Live Fire Exercise Over Norway

The Royal Air Force’s cutting-edge F-35B Lightning jets have taken centre stage in a high-stakes live fire exercise off Norway’s northern coast, paving the way for US B-52 Stratofortress bombers to drop live munitions in a trilateral demonstration of force integration and precision targeting.

Supported by RAF RC-135 Rivet Joint intelligence-gathering aircraft and Voyager tankers, the exercise saw F-35s from the UK, the US, and Norway working together to integrate advanced data-sharing systems for an enhanced, real-time tactical picture. This exercise underlines the crucial role these fifth-generation aircraft play in modern warfare and their ability to act as force multipliers in complex military operations.

The joint exercise was an intense display of NATO’s collective strength, demonstrating the alliance’s ability to share intelligence rapidly and work seamlessly in high-stakes scenarios. RAF F-35 pilots, alongside their counterparts from the US and Royal Norwegian Air Force, exchanged live data, ensuring an integrated and unified approach to the operation.

Group Captain Hannah Bishop, head of operational plans for the RAF, highlighted the exercise’s importance, saying, “Interoperability is vital to the defence of NATO’s northern flank. This exercise has demonstrated important enduring strengths of our alliance – our ability to understand how each other operates, to share critical information quickly, and to work seamlessly with each other.”

The exercise followed the F2T2 method (Find, Fix, Track, and Target), which involves identifying and neutralising targets in real time, a vital tactic for precision-strike operations in modern military engagements. The B-52 Stratofortress bombers from the United States Air Force successfully targeted a simulated enemy position, underlining the effectiveness of this integrated approach.

General James Hecker, Commander of USAF Europe and Africa, emphasised the significance of the region, stating, “The Arctic is a critical region for our collective security and global stability. Training with our Norwegian and UK Allies in this environment demonstrates our shared commitment to defending NATO’s northern flank and adapting to emerging threats.”

The exercise showcased the importance of fifth-generation platforms, with General Hecker noting, “Fifth-generation platforms are pivotal to maintaining air superiority in contested spaces, and exercises like this showcase their unmatched capability.”

In addition to the F-35s, the RAF’s RC-135 Rivet Joint played a crucial role in the mission by collecting electronic emissions and contributing to the overall intelligence picture. The aircraft’s surveillance capabilities are a vital part of ensuring situational awareness in complex operational environments.

To ensure the RAF aircraft remained in the skies for the duration of the exercise, a Voyager tanker from RAF Brize Norton provided critical air-to-air refuelling in the Norwegian Sea. This allowed the F-35s to stay airborne without the need for landing, extending their operational range and effectiveness.

This exercise not only demonstrated the operational capacity of the RAF and its NATO allies, but it also highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the UK and Norway, both of whom are integral to NATO’s Joint Expeditionary Force. Brigadier General Tron Strand, Commander of the Joint Air Operations Centre in Norway, stated, “This training event demonstrates the ability of the Norwegian Armed Forces to integrate with and leverage cutting-edge capabilities provided by the UK and US in multi-domain operations.”

He further added, “Together we are a credible deterrent, and if required, we are ready to defend the Arctic region.”

As tensions in the Arctic continue to grow, exercises like this are pivotal in ensuring NATO forces remain ready and capable of responding to any emerging threats.

Stay Connected
221,237FansLike
83,600FollowersFollow
115,500SubscribersSubscribe
spot_img
- Trusted Partner -

BEHIND THE SCENES

error: Content is protected !!