Yesterday, two U.S. Air Force (USAF) B-52H Stratofortress strategic bombers carried out their first drop of GBU-38 JDAM bombs on Swedish territory as part of the Viking Nebula mission of the Bomber Task Force (BTF). This exercise included the participation of two JAS-39 fighters from the Swedish Air Force, which escorted the bombers to the test range where the ordnance was released.
Following the activities conducted the day before by two B-52H Stratofortress bombers in Italy, the Bomber Task Force announced that two aircraft carried out a bombing exercise with GBU-38 drops at the Vidsel test range in Sweden. As usual, these operations were supported from the ground by Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs), who marked the targets and provided updates to the bombers. Viking Nebula marks the eleventh completed operation in this phase of the Bomber Task Force.
Additionally, the mission included a low-altitude formation flight over the Swedish Parliament as part of the commemoration of the first anniversary of Sweden’s accession to NATO. The Nordic country joined the Atlantic Alliance as a full member at the end of February last year after Hungary’s Parliament approved its entry, removing the final obstacle to its incorporation.
The B-52H bombers belong to the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, which is currently operating from RAF Fairford, United Kingdom. From this location, the U.S. Air Force’s strategic bombers conduct various operations alongside NATO member states. Just a few weeks ago, a squadron of two B-52Hs participated in the first deployment of the year, completing a 24-hour flight that included live-fire exercises at ranges within the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility.
The presence of Swedish Air Force JAS-39 Gripen fighters alongside the bombers is also a signal of the strengthened projection capabilities of the United States and its cooperation with this new NATO member, while the war in Ukraine continues. However, it should not be overlooked that European nations are increasingly concerned about the stance of the new U.S. president, Donald Trump, and his statements suggesting that the continent and its defense may not receive support from the United States.
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