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B-52s conduct first live weapons drop in Sweden since nation joined NATO

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress flies over the skies of Sweden during Bomber Task Force 25-2 mission VIKING NEBULA March 11. These operations demonstrate the ability to rapidly deploy strategic assets in support of global stability.

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Photo by: USAFE-AFAFRICA Public Affairs 

On March 11, two U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortresses participating in Bomber Task Force Mission VIKING NEBULA conducted the first live weapons drop in Sweden since the nation joined NATO.

During the mission, the aircraft were escorted by two Swedish JAS 39 Gripens to the Vidsel Test Range, where they released GBU-38 joint direct attack munitions. Ground support was provided by U.S. and Swedish Joint Terminal Attack Controllers. The mission reinforced coordination between air and ground units, refining precision strike capabilities in a new, complex training environment.

The mission also included a low-formation flyover of the Swedish Parliament to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Sweden’s accession to NATO.

The B-52s and aircrew are currently deployed with the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron at RAF Fairford, England, where they continue to execute operations alongside NATO Allies and partners across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, bolstering collective lethality and improving integration.

VIKING NEBULA marks the eleventh operation completed during this BTF iteration.