China News Service, Brussels, August 25 (Reporter Tokunaga Ken) NATO announced on the 24th that six U.S. Air Force B-52 bombers have arrived in Europe and will conduct joint flight training with NATO allies and partners.
According to NATO’s announcement that day, six B-52 bombers belong to the Fifth Bomber Wing stationed at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota. On August 22, local time, the bomber flew to the Fairford Air Force Base in the United Kingdom, planning to conduct joint flight training with NATO allies and partners in the next few days.
US Army B-52 bomber. Photo courtesy of the U.S. European Command
As a long-range strategic bomber capable of carrying nuclear warheads, the B-52 bomber is a major pillar of the US strategic nuclear force. According to data, the fighter plane flies at an altitude of 17,000 meters, and can mount up to 20 nuclear cruise missiles with a range of 2500 kilometers, 20 5,000-ton nuclear bombs, and even one 10-million-ton nuclear bomb.
NATO spokesperson Lundescu said in the announcement that NATO welcomes the arrival of the U.S. B-52 bomber. "This deployment is a strong symbol of the United States' commitment to maintaining NATO and European security." It is believed that joint flight training will improve NATO's joint response. The ability to challenge.
US Army B-52 bomber. Photo courtesy of the U.S. European Command
The U.S. European Command stated in another announcement that six B-52 bombers will conduct flight training in European and African theaters. It is intended to familiarize pilots with the theater situation, enhance the integration of the U.S. military with NATO allies and partners, and improve combat readiness. State, conduct necessary flight training to deal with potential crises or challenges.
The announcement quoted Jeff Harrigian, commander of the U.S. Air Force European Command and Africa Command, as saying that the arrival of the B-52 bomber in Europe proved that the U.S. military has the ability to respond quickly, regardless of external challenges. Including the outbreak of the new crown pneumonia epidemic or other current events in Europe and Africa, the US military is capable of continuing to perform flight missions, maintaining combat readiness, and supporting NATO allies and partners.
Harry Gene said that since the launch of the "Bomber Task Force" operation in 2018, U.S. bombers have "struck" more than 200 times, and the B-52 bomber is one of them. NATO statistics show that in May this year, the U.S. B-1B bomber flew over. Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea region, and perform air alert missions in North Macedonia, the newest member of NATO; in June this year, the US B-52 bomber flew over the Arctic Ocean, and then participated in NATO’s "Operation Baltic-2020" military exercise. (Finish)