On Tuesday, a pair of B-52H Stratofortresses conducted practice drops of live guided bombs at a Swedish weapons range. This operation marked the anniversary of Sweden’s accession to NATO and included a flyover of the nation’s parliament.
The bombers participated in a task force mission named Viking Nebula, alongside Swedish JAS 39 Gripens. The Swedish fighters escorted the B-52s to Vidsel Test Range, located about 580 miles north of Stockholm. At this range, the bombers released GBU-30 joint direct attack munitions, with joint terminal attack controllers from both the U.S. and Swedish militaries supporting the drops. This collaboration aimed to enhance coordination between air and ground units for precision strikes.
The B-52s’ recent mission was notable as it represented the first live weapons drop in Sweden since the country joined NATO last year. The Vidsel Test Range is recognized as the largest land proving ground in Europe.
Currently, the B-52s and their crews are stationed at RAF Fairford in England as part of the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron’s Bomber Task Force 25-2 deployment. This squadron, which includes four B-52s along with air crew and supporting personnel, was deployed from Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, in February. The Viking Nebula operation was the 11th undertaken by this bomber task force.
Additionally, on Friday, a B-52 from the same task force executed a low pass over Oslo, Norway, as part of a mission termed Tower Blockhouse, also escorted by two Norwegian F-35 fighters.
The Air Force frequently rotates B-52s through Europe on temporary deployments, intended to deter Russian aggression and affirm the U.S. commitment to NATO’s collective defense. This specific task force activity occurs amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine, now entering its fourth year, which has shifted much of Europe’s stance on defense, leading Sweden to seek NATO membership after a prolonged period of neutrality.
Historically, President Donald Trump caused tensions regarding U.S. support of NATO, raising questions about the Alliance’s future and the commitments of member states to their defense budgets.
Stephen Losey, the writer of this report, is an air warfare reporter for Defense News, with previous experience covering key defense issues across various platforms.
