Just in:B-21 Raider & B-2 Spirit Takeoff - Better film of the B-21 Raider launch,plus a B-2 Spirit launch that occurred a few hours later. 1

The B-21 flew to Edwards Air Force Base nearby.It was escorted by an F-16D Fighting Falcon.The B-2 Spirit was perhaps at Plant 42 for an upgrade or maintenance which are also provided at US Air Force Plant 42.

US Air Force, NATO. B-2 Spirit strategic stealth bombers on alert in Iceland

Securing the High North:Air Force Global Strike Command Sends B-2 Spirits to Iceland

On 13 August 2023,over 150 Airmen amd three B-2 Spirit strategic bombers out of Whiteman Air Force Base,Missouri arrived at Keflavik Air Base,Iceland.They will engage in Bomber Task Force missions,according to U.S. Air Forces in Europe amd Air Forces Africa.Across the globe,U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM) routinely orchestrates BTF operations to not only showcase the US commitment to collective defence,but also to seamlessly integrate with operations conducted by our Geographic Combatant Commands.This BTF initiative was designed to bolster U.S. European Command's (EUCOM) overarching security mandate across the European continent,while also affording aircrews the opportunity to acclimate themselves to the intracacies of joint and coalition operations in foreign locations.Said General James Hecker,commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe,U.S. Air Forces Africa and NATO Allied Air Command:Each BTF mission underscores the prowess of our armed forces in navigating today's intricate and unpredictable global security terrain,with the focus on fostering stability,security,and freedom across Europe.In resolute unity,the US upholds our nation's commitment to foster peace and stability in Europe,unwaveringly collaborating with Allies and Partners to thwart challenges against the sovereignty of nations across the region.* The expeditionary bomb crew is led by Lt.Col. Andrew Kousgaard,commander of 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron.Lt.Col. Kousgaard emphasised Dynamic Force Employment,a strategy that combines strategic unpredictability with operational adaptability:The B-2 bomber is arguably the most strategically significant airplane in the world,but that doesn't mean it's inflexible:dynamically deploying the bombers forward is a unique and important capability.*The BTF mission bolsters combat readiness,providing the US and NATO leaders with strategic options to assure,deter and defend against adversary aggression against the Alliance,throughout Europe and across the globe,bolstering our collective response to any global conflict.The current BTF missions will integrate operations with our Icelandic Allies and expert capabilities within the European region.The 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron practises Agile Combat Employment (ACE),providing Airmen with the tools necessary to accomplish their mission in austere environments with lilited resources,ensuring the B-2 Spirit's mission of strategic deterrence,anytime and anywhere.Lt.Col. Kousgaard added that being able to:conduct operations out of anywhere and tactically unpredictable is really important to hold adversaries at risk and assure Allies that we're able to share in some national defence:Our host nation has been phenomenal and we're excited to continue our work here.*During their BTF missions,the B-2s will carry out real world surveillance and long range strike missions if necessary.* According to The War Zone blog,one of the B-2 Spirits flew from Iceland to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson,Alaska on a mock strike mission,utilising its distributed and extremely long-range capabilties for bomber operations over the increasingly strategic Arctic Region.The B-2 flew first into the high north,deep into the Arctic Circle and close to the North Pole,The War Zone indicated.* Air Force Global Strike Command was stood up on 7 August 2009 to provide combatant commanders the forces needed to conduct strategic nuclear deterrence and global strike operations.They continue to adapt,innovate and modernise to always be prepared for emerging threats,such as Russia and China's forays into the Arctic Region with joint naval task forces and Russia's recent Arctic buildup on both old and new military bases.

F-22 Raptor Brings Down China's Spy Balloon

Four Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor fifth generation fighters were scrambled at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia Saturday.They were needed to bring down the Chinese military balloon that attempted to gather intelligence over US territory in a blatant violation of US sovereignty and international law.The balloon was loaded with tons of surveillance equipment directed at sensitive military bases with an apparent emphasis on strategic systems such as the Minuteman III ICBM and B-2 Spirit bombers.* The Raptors arrived on scene off the South Carolina coast and loitered while they awaited the balloon's arrival.The balloon had first violated Canada's sovereignty before heading south into Montana and surveilling Malmstrom Air Force Base and its missile fields.It had traveled from China to the Bering Sea and the Aleutian Islands of Alaska before violating Canadian air space,all the while tracked by NORAD.Eventually it wandered east over to Whiteman Air Force Base,Missouri,home of the B-2 Spirit strategic bomber.NORTHCOM,out of Peterson Air Force Base,Colorado,provides protection for the US mainland and took charge of the hostile incident.Two air refueling tankers flew a pattern off South Carolina,standing by to refuel aircraft as needed.* On Wednesday,US President Joseph R. Biden ordered the Pentagon to shoot down the balloon in the safest way as soon as possible.The Pentagon chose the sea option.* Climbing to an altitude of 58,000 ft.,one of the F-22s fired a Raytheon AIM-9 Sidewinder heat-seeking missile at the balloon at short range.It punctured the balloon with a thud,rendering it limp as it plunged for about five minutes to the coastal waters below within the 12-mile territorial zone of the United States.Whatever lands within the zone is legally under US Government control.The balloon ended up at a depth of merely 47 feet,easily retrievable by even novice divers.The US Navy and Coast Guard secured the scene by establishing a perimeter.A salvage vessel made its way to the wreckage of the ill-fated Chinese contraption.Electronic warfare measures had been applied to its technology by US Forces as it was blown along,ensuring that it couldn't achieve its unlawful mission unhindered.The debris field had been ascertained by NORTHCOM and NASA in advance.* Analysis:So China ended up with its surveillance technology in the hands of the US Intelligence Community,embarrassed by this bizarre mission of the People's Liberation Army.For its part,Canada expressed its appreciation for the US downing of the balloon.* Lockheed Martin (LMT),Raytheon Technologies (RTX)

Pacific Perspective:B-2 Bombers to RAAF Amberley

On 10 July 2022,two B-2 Spirit strategic nuclear-capable bombers arrived at Royal Australian Air Force Amberley near Brisbane,Australia in support of a U.S. Pacific Air Forces Bomber Task Force deployment.The BTF manifests the Force Posture Agreement between the US and Australia,USPACAF said.By conducting training missions and strategic deterrence missions with Allies,Partners and Joint Forces,the cause of a free and open Indo-Pacific Region will be advanced.The B-2 deployment demonstrates and enhances the readiness and lethality of our long-range penetrating strike force,according to Lt.Col. Andrew Kousgaard,Commander 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron,the squadron which dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II.This deployment also implements the National Defense Strategy's objectives of strategic predictability and operational unpredictability.The BTF enables different types of strategic bombers to operate in the Indo-Pacific Region from a broad range of overseas and continental United States locations with greater operational resilience,USPACAF noted.* On 12 July 2022,two more B-2 Spirits arrived at RAAF Amberley.All four bombers are out of Whiteman Air Force Base,Missouri.Robust strategic relationships with Allies and Partners demonstrates US commitment to the collective defence of Indo-Pacific nations and bolsters the abiltiy of US Airmen to respond to crises.Thus the readiness of forces is enhanced,facilitating response to regional threats and upholding the international rule of law in the Indo-Pacific.Hot refueling,which is done with engines running,with Australian equipment and air-to-air refueling with Australian KC-130 tankers will be part of the BTF drills,developing the skills to effectively operate across the vast distances of the Region.* An RAAF spokeswoman said the deployment is part of the Enhanced Air Cooperation,one of the two elements of the Force Posture Initiatives (FPI) currently in force,the other one being Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D).This air initiative involves rotational bomber and fighter aircraft deployments to Australia and has been operating successfully for several years.It also includes ongoing infrastructure improvements of RAAF air bases to handle new deployments of USAF B-2 bombers,as well as F-22 Raptor fighter aircraft and F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters.The upgrades will enable US aircraft to deploy effectively in a crisis such as conflicts with China and North Korea.Other upgrades are to carried out in Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianna Islands under the FPI. * The Government of Australia considers its Alliance with the US to be its most important Defence relationship,central to Australia's strategic and security arrangements.Thus the Australia-US Force Posture Initiatives were announced on 16 November 2011 by Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard and US President Barack Obama.The first MRF-D was deployed in 2012.In 2014,the FPI were signed at Australia-US Ministerial Consultations.In 2015,the FPI went into force;and in 2017,the EAC commenced.

B-2 Stealth Bomber Arrives at RAF Fairford accompanied by Bomber Task Force B-Roll in Iceland

Upholding bomber agile combat deployments: 110th EBS total force unit de...

B-2 Spirit Arrives at Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, 08/23/2021

B-2 Spirits Deployed to Iceland

B-2 Spirit stealth bombers from the US Air Force's 131st and 509th Bomb Wings have deployed to Keflavik Air Base,Iceland from Whiteman AFB,Missouri in support of Bomber Task Force Europe.During their mission,they are building strategic relationships critical for timely and coordinated responses when needed,Whiteman AFB said.The Northrop Grumman aircraft are being crewed by Airmen with the Missouri Air National Guard. In the course of their mission,the B-2s have performed their first integration with Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft,strengthening our shared commitment to global security and stability.They also integrated with US Air Forces Europe and Air Forces Africa F-15C Eagle fighters out of RAF Lakenheath,England,who provided escort to the bombers. Indeed,the F-15s,Typhoons and B-2s flew a training sortie over the North Sea,enhancing enduring skills and relationships with NATO Allies and regional Partners.They thus are reinforcing goals of remaining flexible and agile for rapid response capabilities towards any potential crisis or challenge across the globe.* While long responsive to Russian aggression and Islamist extremism,NATO is currently developing its approach to Chinese challenges as well.* Northrop Grumman (NOC)

New Version of Nuclear Weapon Closer to US and NATO Readiness

The US Air Force and Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration have recently completed developmental testing of the B61-12 tactical and strategic nuclear bomb version.The program office for the bomb said the 27-month testing programme was completed in just 11 months,yet with 100 percent success on all 31 bomb drops executed.Now the bomb version enters initial operational testing and evaluation.
In the summer of 2018,a B-2A Spirit bomber dropped two inert B61-12 bombs at Nellis AFB, Nevada.The tests were the start of a technicial reset of the B-2A for advanced warfighting requirements, including improved digital weapons integration; more computer processing power; next generation sensors.With a range of 6,000 nautical miles, the B-2A has flown combat missions in Iraq,Libya and Afghanistan.Now it is being readied for service in Anti-access/Area-denial scenarios against near-peer adversaries such as Russia and China.*
Sandia National Laboratories and Los Alamos National Laboratory did the design and engineering of the B61-12.
The bomb has the first digital interface of the series.One of the bombs can execute any of the missions intended by the Air Force and NATO:
Earth-penetrating attack;
Low-yield and high-yield attack;
Above surface detonation;
Bunker buster option.*
The Air Force intends to certify the B61-12 on the following aircraft:
B-2A Spirit bomber;
F-15E Strike Eagle fighter;
F-16 C,D and MLU variants;



F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter;
B-21 Raider bomber;
PA 200 Tornado fighter.
The new version is part of a Life Extension Program for the bomb.A total of 400 bombs are to be refitted, extending their lives by 20 years.*
The B61-12 is designed for NATO use.Currently the Allies Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Turkey participate in the dual key arrangement with the US, providing personnel, storage and aircraft for the Alliance's nuclear deterrent.*
The first production unit of the B61-12 is slated for completion in March 2020, with full run completion by 2025.The updated weapon will include improved safety, security, reliability and accuracy, the Air Force said.*
Boeing provides the B61-12 guided tail-kit.*
Boeing (BA)

Air Defence Puzzle:Complex Exercise Challenges NORAD,US STRATCOM

NORAD,the North American Aerospace and Defense Command,along with its close partner and fellow combatant command US Strategic Command,conducted a day of joint,comprehensive intercept and safe passage exercises in all three of the NORAD regions with a broad range of warplanes on 1 August 2016,the command revealed in a press release.The carefully planned and controlled drills ensured NORAD's rapid response capability.Normally,only one intercept at a time is conducted with only one type of interceptor and bomber involved.This test injected more layers of complexity by varying types of aircraft,commands involved,location and nationality.The scenario was a more realistic simulation of what an actual attack by a sophisticated enemy would be like.*
In these exercises,US Strategic Command B-52H Stratofortess and B-2 Spirit bombers conducted flights through each of the NORAD regions that were intercepted by three types of fighter aircraft:
2 F-22 Raptors in the Alaska NORAD Region,based at Elmendorf Air Force Base,Alaska;
2 CF-18 Hornets in the Canadian NORAD Region,based at Canadian Forces Base Winnipeg,Manitoba;and
2 F-15 Eagles in the Continental United States NORAD Region,based at Tyndall Air Foce Base,Florida.*
US Defense Secretary Ash Carter noted that the bomber flights provided NORAD with an excellent opportunity to hone our air defence capabilities,while also allowing us the opportunity to closely coordinate operations with our allies and the geographic combatant commands.*
Our ability to conduct intercept and safe passage escort procedures to coincide with American flights reinforces Canada's outstanding collaboration and interoperability with our closest ally.Canada and the US continue to expand on our close partnership,added Canada's Minister of National Defence Harjit S. Sajjan.*
The intercepts honed Operation Noble Eagle's procedures,cross-border interoperability and coordination,and to reinforce the enduring defence relationship between the US and Canada.
NORAD is the binational Canada-US command that provides aerospace warning,aerospace control and maritime warning for Canada and the US,NORAD explained.*
Operation Noble Eagle has guided the joint Canadian-US defence of North American airspace since the 9-11 attacks on the US by al-Qaida.

Large NATO Maritime Drills Commence in Baltic-strategic bombers deployed to Europe

Exercise BALTOPS 2015 has begun in the Baltic Sea area.The massive NATO drills got underway with ships from 17 NATO and partner nations sailing from Gdynia,Poland on 8 June.The annual exercise is designed to enhance flexibility and interoperability in order to strengthen combined response capabilities,and thus ensure regional stability.It will test the maritime defence capabilities of NATO and partner nations and feature an amphibious landing by 700 US,Swedish and Finnish troops.About 5600 air,ground and maritime forces will conduct air defence,maritime interdiction,anti-submarine warfare and amphibious operations in a joint environment.
The US-led exercise is under Commander,Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO.It will involve 49 ships,61 aircraft,a submarine and a landing force.Participants are:Belgium,Canada,Denmark,Estonia,Finland,France,Germany,Georgia,Latvia,Lithuania,the Netherlands,Norway,Poland,Sweden,Turkey,the UK and the US.According to Rear Admiral Brad Williamson,Commander,Standing NATO Maritime Group 2,the drills will provide another great training opportunity for our ships,and will give Alliance and partner nations the chance to operate at sea as part of a large multinational force.The ability of maritime forces to quickly integrate is the cornerstone of the Alliance.*
BALTOPS 2015 will demonstrate the resolve of Allied and partner forces to defend the Baltic region,and is much larger than last year's effort.As well,US Strategic Command and its component US Air Force Global Strike Command have deployed 3 B-52H Stratofortress bombers and 2 B-2A Spirit bombers to Europe to participate in both BALTOPS 2015 and Saber Strike 2015,which is a US Army Europe-led exercise.The B-52s were deployed from Minot Air Force Base,North Dakota to demonstrate the ability of AFGSC assets to project conventional air power anywhere,anytime by conducting flying missions with European nations.The assets were deployed to RAF Fairford,England on 5 June.*
Our partnership with the countries out here in US Air Forces Europe and Air Force Africa is significant,said Lieutenant Colonel Bradley Dyer,23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron commander.We need their support,and we want to assure them they have our support as well for any kind of conflicts that may arise in the future-our relationship with them is key,LTC Bradley emphasised.*
In addition to the B-52s,2 B-2A Spirit bombers were deployed from Whiteman Air Force Base,Missouri to RAF Fairford as well for hot-pit refueling and engine-running crew change skill tests,the Air Force said in a news release.The events were meant to demonstrate the ability of the aircraft to forward deploy and deliver conventional and nuclear deterrence anytime and anywhere.The bombers will integrate into several exercise activities,including air intercept training,simulated mining operations during Saber Strike,inert ordnance drops during BALTOPS and close air support over international waters in the Baltic Sea and the territory of the Baltic states and Poland.
The deployment to RAF Fairford was specifically designed and closely coordinated with the United Kingdom and our regional allies to ensure maximum opportunities to synchronise and integrate with their military assets,explained Admiral Cecil Haney,Commander US Strategic Command.

Air Force Seeks Nuke Command Upgrade;B-2s Arrive in England

Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James has submitted a proposal to upgrade Global Strike Command,which oversees the nation's Minuteman III ICBM force and strategic bombers,from a three-star billet to a four-star billet.As well,1100 more personnel will be added to the command in the proposal sent to Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel for his approval.Congress will have the final say on the plan.
The reforms are intended to shore up the troubled command,which has been rocked by a cheating scandal among some missile launch officers and morale problems among Airmen.There is a general impression that the nuclear deterrence mission has been valued less than other Air Force missions since the end of the Cold War.In a press release,Secretary James said this important mission in the Air Force deserves the highest level of oversight similar to our other operational core mission areas.
Incentive pay will also be instituted under the proposal,and a new Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal has already been approved by Ms.James.The staffing increase will address shortfalls and offer our Airmen a more stable work schedule and better quality of life,according to Air Force Chief of Staff General Mark Welsh III.*
In other GSC news,on 8 June,two of the Command's B-2 Spirit bombers flew to RAF Fairford,England to train and integrate with US and allied forces in the region.The heavy bombers will be conducting training flights in the US European Command area of operations,so air crews can sharpen skills in key operational sets and familiarise themselves with regional air bases and operations.
The deployment of strategic bombers provides an invaluable opportunity to strengthen and improve interoperability with our allies and partners,said Admiral Cecil Haney,US Navy,commander of US Strategic Command,which includes GSC and all three elements of the US nuclear triad:ICBMs,bombers and ballistic missile submarines.The training and integration of strategic forces demonstrates to our nation's leaders and allies that we have the right mix of aircraft and expertise to respond to a variety of potential threats and situations,ADM Haney continued.
The B-2s are from the 509th Bomb Wing out of Whiteman Air Force Base,Missouri.The Spirit is a multi-role bomber that can deliver both conventional and nuclear munitions.Its stealthy characteristics allow it to penetrate the most sophisticated of the enemy's defences and threaten their most heavily defended,highest value targets for decades to come.
GSC's other strategic bombers are the B-52 Stratofortress and B-1B Lancer.*
The deployment of the B-2 Spirit bombers to Europe is in line with a series of augmented and stepped-up deployments of US aircraft,ships and troops to NATO countries in light of the Ukraine crisis.The moves strengthen readiness and reassure allies of America's commitment to the NATO treaty obligation of collective defence.

Exercise Red Flag:RAAF Arrives at Nellis AFB,Nevada

A robust contingent of Royal Australian Air Force aircraft and personnel have arrived at Nellis Air Force Base,Nevada for the multinational Exercise Red Flag 14-1.They are mainly from RAAF Base Williamstown.Participating are about 250 personnel from Number 77 and Number 2 Squadrons,with 7 F/A-18A Hornet fighters and an E7A Wedgetail airborne warning and control aircraft for the complex air combat missions.*
Commander Air Combat Group Air Commadore Tom Grady praised the exercise as being the most advanced international combat air training activity in the world,providing pilots,combat controllers and intelligence officers with the most realistic and demanding tactical training available.It tests and teaches through a rigorous program of day and night missions against a large number of ground threats and adversary air.It provides a level of operational simulation not available in Australia or the region,and regular participation in this Red Flag series of exercises is a major contributor to Australia's high standard of air combat capability.
RAAF Group Captain Robert Chipman is leading the deployment.*
Participating air forces will fly strike,electronic warfare,tactical transport,fighter escort,airborne warning and control,and air to air refueling missions against an extensive range of simulated surface to air threats.It is the premier air-to-air combat exercise,giving pilots the experience of multiple,intensive combat air sorties in the safety of a training environment.*
Also participating in Exercise Red Flag 14-1 are US Air Force F-22 Raptors,F-16 Fighting Falcons,F-15 Eagles,B-2 Spirit bombers and KC-135 tankers.The UK Royal Air Force is represented by Typhoon and Tornado fighters.*
The exercise continues through 14 February.It is especially relevant in light of the recent unrecognised Chinese claims to airspace in the Asia Pacific region.