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Bomber Task Force Europe: Supersonic bombers complete successful rotation

NORAD aircraft from the Canadian and continental U.S. regions intercept two B-1 Lancer bombers as they entered Air Defense Identification Zone off North America's east coast during air-defense Operation Noble Defender, June 26, 2023. NORAD units executed maneuvers designed to defend the eastern approach of North America from simulated cruise missile threats in this particular operation. CF-18 aircraft from the Canadian NORAD Region, F-15C and KC-135 aircraft from the Continental U.S. NORAD Region, and B-1s from U.S. Strategic Command all participated in the operation. NORAD conducts sustained and dispersed operations under OND to validate the missions of aerospace warning, aerospace control and maritime warning. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Bryan Hoover)

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Photo by: Master Sgt. Bryan Hoover 

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Bomber Task Force Europe: Supersonic bombers complete successful rotation

A Royal Danish Air Force F-16 and Royal Norwegian Air Force F-35 intercept a U.S. B-1 Lancer during an training mission as part of exercise Noble Defender on June 28, 2023. The exercise was conducted by the North American Aerospace Defense Command to demonstrate the close cooperation between the U.S., Canada and European Allies and partners and to strengthen the collective ability to respond to threats on short notice.

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Photo by: Rune Dyrholm 

U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancers from the 7th Bomb Wing, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, concluded their rotation as part of a Bomber Task Force Europe mission based at RAF Fairford, June 27, 2023.

Before returning to Texas, the bombers flew a final mission over Europe focused on integrating with NATO allies, promoting U.S. and NATO commitment to deterring adversary aggression toward the Alliance.

Bomber Task Force Europe operations are routinely conducted across the European continent, showcasing the Air Force's unique ability to rapidly field and deploy strategic forces at any time as part of the Agile Combat Employment concept.

Throughout their rotation, the B-1B Lancers have built critical relationships throughout the Arctic, Central and Eastern European regions, which has enhanced the coalition’s ability to respond to incursions threatening freedom of maneuver and navigation.

The regular rotations of strategic bombers since 2018 has set the stage for future rotations and seamless integration throughout U.S. European Command with NATO Allies and partners.

The current Bomber Task Force has been operating out of RAF Fairford since late May, and have participated in exercises Vanguard Hawk, Fortress Salvatore, Viking Trident, Arctic Challenge and the Paris airshow.

The highlights of BTF 23-3 was the historic landing in Sweden and the first-ever hot-pit refueling in Romania. The landing in Sweden fortified not only the friendship between the U.S. and Sweden, but the collective defense of Europe. During the visit, U.S. European Command and Swedish Air Force leadership participated in a media event to discuss the historic event. The hot-pit in Romania increased U.S. and partner nation’s ability to generate and sustain combat airpower throughout the European theater.

Imagery of the Bomber Task Force is publicly available through Defense Visual Information Distribution Service at www.dvidshub.net/feature/bombertaskforceeurope.

For media interested in engagement opportunities, please contact USAFE-AFAFRICA Public Affairs at +49 06371-47-6558 or email usafepao.pao@us.af.mil.