Two US Air Force (USAF) B-52H bombers have arrived at Romania’s Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base to join the 24-4 bomber force deployed there after being intercepted by Russian fighters in international airspace over the Arctic. Specifically, the two aircraft will be part of the 20th Expeditionary Bomber Force under the orbit of the US European Command and will be deployed alongside NATO assets in various operations to strengthen combined capabilities.
In this regard, General James Hecker, Commander of USAFE-AFAFRICA said:In today’s global environment, it is imperative that we are prepared to deliver sustainable capabilities from long distances. This iteration of the Bomber Task Force provides an excellent opportunity to refine our active combat employment tactics, techniques, and procedures (…) Through joint efforts with our allies, the United States helps our forces combat current and future threats..”
As mentioned, two B-52H bombers, now based in Romania, were intercepted over the Arctic by Russian fighters, specifically two MiG-29 and MiG-31 fighters. The incident occurred on the morning of July 21 (8 am CET) when the USAF aircraft was flying over the Barents Sea on a routine flight as part of its ongoing deployment in theater amid escalating tensions with Russia.
Following this line, General Hecker himself said: “The United States is committed to working with our NATO allies and partners in the Eastern Region to ensure that we have the combined capabilities and coordination capabilities necessary to maintain regional security and stability.“
It should be noted that this is the first time that B-52H bombers have been deployed on Romanian territory, although other members of the alliance are not the first air assets to operate from that country. Recently, seven Finnish F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets arrived at the same air base to perform air patrol duties (which escorted the American bombers in question), and in April they deployed British Eurofighter jets and F-16 Poles in Romania. To undertake the Astral Knight training; Mihail Kogalniceanu realized the high-quality operation handled at the airport.
*Image credit: USAF
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