Two U.S. B-52 bombers conducted a training mission over Finland, simulating weapons drops alongside Finnish and Swedish fighter jets. The operation aligns with NATO’s collective defense initiatives as Finland bolsters its military capabilities following its recent NATO membership.
The bombers departed from Fairford Air Base in England, flying over the North Sea, Denmark and the Baltic Sea before entering Finnish airspace. According to the Finnish Air Force, the exercises included simulated air-to-ground drops and demonstrated coordination in fire-use missions. Finnish officials emphasized that such drills enhance defense readiness and contribute to NATO’s presence in the region.
The mission follows Russia’s announcement of deploying a hypersonic missile in Ukraine, which reportedly has the capability to reach European capitals within minutes. During the training, Russian fighter jets reportedly intercepted the U.S. bombers near Kaliningrad. U.S. officials described the encounter as safe and professional, with the bombers continuing on their planned route.
The B-52H Stratofortress, a long-range bomber, was configured for conventional weapons during the mission. The aircraft can carry up to 70,000 pounds of armaments, including nuclear and precision-guided conventional weapons. Of the 76 bombers in the U.S. fleet, 46 are nuclear-capable.
This mission follows similar NATO exercises conducted earlier this year, highlighting Finland’s increasing role in alliance activities. Both the U.S. Air Force and the Russian Defense Ministry have declined to comment further.
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