Two United States Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers flew in formation with two Hungarian and two Swedish JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets over the Monument of Freedom in Riga, Latvia, as part of Bomber Task Force (BTF) Europe.
The low-level flyover in August 2025 demonstrated NATO airpower and unity on its eastern flank, according to an Alliance news release.
Three B-1Bs deployed from Dyess Air Force Base in Texas to Ørland Air Base, Norway, in August as part of a BTF mission with the 345th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, according to the NATO news release. The deployment marks the fifth BTF Europe mission in 2025.
Latvian Defense Minister Andris Sprūds said such flyovers “clearly demonstrate NATO’s presence in the region, transatlantic unity and commitment to collectively strengthen the security of the Baltic State region,” according to a U.S. Air Force news release. “The security of the Baltic States and NATO’s eastern flank is the cornerstone of the security of the entire Euro-Atlantic region.”
The Allied formation passed directly over the Monument of Freedom, a 42-meter obelisk erected in 1935 that stands as a symbol of Latvian independence and national unity. Organizers said the choice of location carried added resonance as Latvia commemorates its sovereignty after Soviet rule.
BTF Europe is part of a routine deployment cycle designed to enhance readiness and project combat-ready airpower in defense of the Euro-Atlantic region. During the deployment, B-1 crews integrated with the Air Forces of Norway and other Allies. The combined training focused on targeting, real-time threat-information sharing and maneuvering through contested airspace to maintain freedom of operations.
“This deployment allows us to train the way we fight — integrated with NATO Allies, ready and adaptive,” Lt. Col. Eric Alvarez, the deployed commander of the 345th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron said in a statement, according to DefenseNews.com. “It’s about building experience and trust together, enhancing readiness and staying sharp in dynamic environments.”
The Hungarian Gripens that participated in the flyover currently are deployed to Šiauliai Air Base, Lithuania, in support of NATO’s air-policing mission. Swedish Gripens joined from Sweden for the combined pass, highlighting the seamless integration of partner Air Forces.
BTF Europe missions will continue through the fall of 2025 with U.S. strategic bombers and fighters from NATO partners participating in exercises across NATO’s eastern flank. Officials said future rotations will build on lessons learned in Latvia to refine tactics, techniques and procedures for combined operations.