On September 11, two USAF B-52 bombers completed a double transatlantic training mission over Poland, demonstrating the U.S. Air Force’s ability to integrate with six allied air forces while maintaining global strike capabilities anytime, anywhere.
During the mission, the two USAF B-52s participated in a NATO-led integration exercise over Poland, with involvement from Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom. The exercise, known as Find, Fix, Track, and Target (F2T2), saw over two dozen fighter jets, aerial refueling aircraft, and other platforms from various nations working in close coordination for the event.
Specifically, Poland provided ISR assets, while Germany and the United Kingdom supported aerial refueling operations alongside USAF KC-135 Stratotankers from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, based at RAF Mildenhall. Participating aircraft included Royal Netherlands Air Force F-35s, Danish Air Force F-16s, Luftwaffe Tornadoes, and Spanish Air Force F-18s.
This training exercise involved aircraft and units across multiple domains—air, land, sea, cyber, and space—focusing on integrating the multi-domain effects of allied nations and enhancing command and control in a simulated contested environment.
“The successful execution of this NATO-led mission provides us with the opportunity to share best practices and demonstrate our steadfast commitment to our Allies”, stated Gen. James Hecker, Commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa. “Our ability to operate alongside Allies is a critical advantage, sending a message of reassurance to our friends and deterring potential aggressive actions from strategic competitors.”
The USAF B-52 bombers mission, which began and ended at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota, was conducted between September 11 and 12, showcasing the agility and capability of the flight crews and support units. This exercise is an extension of Bomber Task Force (BTF) 24-4 in Europe, which made history earlier this summer when two USAF B-52 bombers operated for the first time out of Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base in Romania.
BTF 24-4 is part of a series of exercises and military activities, led by multiple operational commands, that allow U.S. joint forces to train with allies and partners, improving mutual understanding, trust, and interoperability in response to global security challenges. Since 2018, recurring Bomber Task Force missions have been conducted in Europe, with recent rotations increasing due to the ongoing conflict between Moscow and Kyiv.