IRIA News

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Two U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortresses bomber planes conducted live guided bomb drops in Sweden. It was the first such exercise between Sweden and the U.S. since the Nordic nation joined NATO last year.

The mission was part of a task force operation dubbed Viking Nebula, underscoring the deepening military ties between Sweden and its NATO allies at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions in Europe.

The long-range bombers, deployed from RAF Fairford in England, were escorted by a pair of Swedish JAS 39 Gripens as they made their way to the Vidsel Test Range, Europe’s largest land proving ground, located approximately 933 kilometers north of Stockholm.

The bombers then released GBU-30 joint direct attack munitions (JDAMs) in a precision-strike exercise, coordinated with joint terminal attack controllers (JTACs) from both the U.S. and Swedish armed forces.

After the weapons test, the B-52s made a symbolic flight over Sweden’s parliament in Stockholm, a gesture commemorating the country’s NATO accession and reaffirming its commitment to the alliance’s collective defense principles.

Strategically, the exercise represents a significant shift for Sweden’s security policy, a country that historically maintained a policy of military non-alignment until Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 forced a re-evaluation of its security stance. Sweden officially became NATO’s 32nd member in March 2023, joining Finland in shedding its long-standing neutrality in favor of the collective security framework offered by the alliance.

For the United States, the bomber task force’s presence in Sweden is a direct message to Moscow and a reinforcement of NATO’s deterrence posture in the region. The U.S. Air Force frequently rotates B-52 bombers through Europe on temporary deployments, a practice designed to bolster regional security and showcase American commitment to its allies.

“This is an important step in strengthening our interoperability with NATO partners and ensuring that we can seamlessly operate together in a wide range of scenarios,” a U.S. Air Force spokesperson stated.

Strategic deterrence

The timing of these exercises is also very crucial. Russia’s war in Ukraine has now entered its fourth year and has reshaped European security dynamics, prompting unprecedented military investments and cooperation among NATO members. While Sweden and Finland have traditionally sought to maintain a delicate balance in their relationships with both NATO and Russia, the war made neutrality increasingly impossible.

By integrating U.S. strategic bombers into its military drills, Sweden is signaling its readiness to contribute to NATO’s deterrence strategy. The B-52s, capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear payloads, represent a formidable force projection tool. Their presence in Scandinavia serves as a stark reminder to adversaries that NATO’s military capabilities extend well beyond its traditional borders.

Series of missions in Northern Europe

The Viking Nebula mission is just one of several recent high-profile bomber operations in northern Europe. One day after the exercise, another B-52 from the same bomber task force conducted a low-altitude flyover of Oslo, Norway, in a mission codenamed Tower Blockhouse. That bomber was escorted by two Norwegian F-35 fighters, further demonstrating NATO’s expanding aerial integration efforts.

These flights are part of Bomber Task Force 25-2, an ongoing deployment of four B-52s from the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron. The squadron, based at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota, arrived in England in February this year to engage in joint exercises with NATO allies and partners across the region.

Each of these missions serves as both a training opportunity and a strategic demonstration of force. The B-52, which has been a staple of U.S. military power for more than 60 years, remains a key component of the U.S. Air Force’s global strike capability. With its long range, high payload capacity, and ability to carry precision-guided munitions, it is an essential tool for both deterrence and, if necessary, combat operations.

Challenges to NATO’s unity

Despite the show of strength and cooperation, NATO is currently facing growing internal challenges, particularly from within the United States. U.S. President Donald Trump has openly questioned America’s long-standing commitment to NATO. He has suggested that the U.S. might not defend member states that fail to meet their defense spending targets, a stance that has unsettled European allies.

Trump’s remarks contrast sharply with the Biden administration’s strong support for NATO, including military aid to Ukraine and increased rotational deployments of U.S. forces in Europe.

Sweden, for its part, has significantly increased its defense budget and is modernizing its military forces in preparation for its full integration into NATO’s defense structures. The successful execution of Viking Nebula illustrates the country’s commitment to aligning itself with NATO’s strategic objectives and military protocols.

With Sweden now fully integrated into the alliance and regional security concerns at an all-time high, the question is no longer whether NATO is prepared to defend its newest members but rather how it will continue adapting to the rapidly evolving threats facing Europe. The Viking Nebula mission is a testament to that adaptation, demonstrating that Sweden and its allies are ready to meet any challenge that lies ahead.