A pair of B-1 bombers flew over the North Sea on June 5, joining in on an expansive aerial exercise taking place in the Nordic region.
As part of Arctic Challenge Exercise 2023, the B-1s from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, flew above the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier and integrated with F-35s from the U.S. Air Force and Royal Norwegian Air Force, as well as U.S. Navy aircraft.
“The U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy routinely conduct operations in the High North alongside the Finnish, Swedish, and Norwegian Air and Naval Forces, and Arctic Challenge provided enhanced opportunities for NATO allies and partners to integrate with strategic U.S. bombers and the Ford-class aircraft carrier in a new environment,” a U.S. Air Forces in Europe press release stated.
The B-1s are in Europe as part of a Bomber Task Force deployment, based out of RAF Fairford, U.K. Since arriving two weeks ago, Airmen and aircraft have been busy. On May 23, one B-1 was intercepted by a Russian fighter over the Baltic Sea region. On May 30, a bomber flew over Bosnia and Herzegovina, in a show of support amid continued unrest in the area. And on June 1, a B-1 integrated with allied forces during a small force exercise across France and Belgium.
A B-1B Lancer lands at RAF Fairford, United Kingdom, Jun. 1, 2023. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Josiah Brown
A B-1B Lancer takes off at RAF Fairford, United Kingdom, Jun. 1, 2023. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Josiah Brown
Lt. Col. Matthew Barnard (left), 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron director of operations, and 1st Lt. Miles D’Ascensio, B-1B Lancer pilot assigned to the 9th EBS, step for a flight at RAF Fairford, United Kingdom, Jun. 5, 2023. Two supersonic strategic bombers executing Bomber Task Force 2023-3 joined NATO and coalition aircraft during Arctic Challenge Exercise 2023 in a counter-maritime mission in the High North. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Josiah Brown
Capt. Geoffrey Osborne, B-1B Lancer pilot assigned to the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, left, and 1st Lt. Joshua Cover, B-1B Lancer weapon systems officer assigned to the 9th EBS, right, check oxygen seal and comp system at RAF Fairford, United Kingdom, May. 30, 2023. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Josiah Brown
Two B-1B Lancers assigned to the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron take off at RAF Fairford, United Kingdom, to conduct a Bomber Task Force Europe mission, May. 30, 2023. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Josiah Brown
The 494th Fighter Squadron “Panthers” fly F-15E Strike Eagle fighters in formation with Arctic Allies and Partners during Arctic Challenge Exercise 2023, June 1, 2023. Courtesy Photo
Two Italian Air Force F-35A Lightning II fifth-generation fighters prepare to receive fuel mid-air from a U.S. Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 101st Air Refueling Wing over the Arctic Circle during Arctic Challenge Exercise 2023, May 31, 2023. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Olivia Gibson
A B-1B Lancer conducts a low approach flyby over Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, on May 30, 2023, as part of a long-planned Bomber Task Force 23-3 mission. The mission ensures the U.S. and its Allies are ready and postured to deter threats and respond to aggression if needed. DOD photo by Adnan Bujak, U.S. Embassy Bosnia and Herzegovina
Members of a U.S. Army Special Operations Joint Terminal Attack Controller team demonstrate to U.S. Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina Michael Murphy how the JTACs communicate with B1-B Lancers during a training bomber support mission flyover near Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, on May 30, 2023. DOD photo by Adnan Bujak, U.S. Embassy Bosnia and Herzegovina
Their participation in Arctic Exercise Challenge, however, marks their biggest training opportunity yet—and the first time U.S. bombers have flown in the biennial exercise since it began in 2013.
In addition to the B-1s, the U.S. Air Force is flying F-35s and F-15s from the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath, U.K., in the exercise, as well as KC-135s from the 100th Air Refueling Wing at RAF Mildenhall, U.K., and the Maine Air National Guard.
Sweden is leading the exercise, with aircraft also stationed in Norway and Finland. The U.S., U.K., the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Canada, France, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, and the Czech Republic all sent personnel and aircraft.
“By training and conducting realistic exercises in the High North, like Arctic Challenge Exercise 2023, U.S. forces and those of Allied and Partner nations hone skills, fine-tune interoperability, nurture key relationships, and acclimate to the inherent challenges posed by fighting in the Arctic’s extreme conditions,” a USAFE press release stated.
