The arrival of United States Air Force B-52H Stratofortress bombers at Royal Air Force (RAF) Fairford in the United Kingdom in February 2025 marked the commencement of Bomber Task Force (BTF) 25-2 to underscore the U.S. commitment to Allies and Partners, reinforcing the nation’s strategic capabilities and deterring potential adversaries. The B-52s, hailing from Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota, are part of a routine deployment aimed at maintaining a high state of readiness and proficiency. The missions are designed to validate the U.S. Air Force’s global strike capability and demonstrate its ability to project combat power rapidly and effectively.
The integration of U.S. bombers with NATO Allies is an effective way to exercise dynamic force employment. During the deployment, the B-52s conducted a 24-hour flight through Europe and the Middle East, joining with allied forces for a force projection exercise. This mission included the dropping of live munitions, showcasing the bombers’ readiness and capability to respond to any threat. By demonstrating the ability to deploy to other locations, the U.S. Air Force highlights its agility and employment. This approach ensures that U.S. forces are postured to deter aggression while adapting to changing employment needs.
Joint exercises including BTF-25-2 are not only about military might. They also are a symbol of partnership and cooperation. BTFs are designed to enhance interoperability with NATO Allies and Partner nations. To showcase this, bombers participate in a series of exercises and training flights alongside allied air forces, sharpening collective capabilities and building interoperability.
“Training with NATO Allies strengthens our ability to operate as one team,” said Lt. Col. Joseph Cangealose, commander 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron. “These missions reinforce our partnerships and prepare us to deliver decisive capabilities whenever and wherever they’re needed.”