(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — The United States Air Force (USAF) has reportedly deployed two B-1B Lancer strategic bombers to an airbase in northern Sweden, located merely 150 kilometers from the Russian border.
These long-range bombers touched down at the Luleå-Kallax Air Base, which serves as the primary base for the Norbotten Wing of the Swedish Air Force, among others operating the JAS39 Gripen fighter aircraft.
Luleå-Kallax Air Base has been selected as one of the airbases under the defense cooperation agreement between Sweden and the United States, set to be effective by the end of this year, according to the Swedish Ministry of Defense.
Concerned by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Sweden has abandoned its policy of non-alignment and applied for NATO membership, with the membership process expected to be concluded shortly.
In line with its impending NATO membership, the United States has begun stationing combat aircraft in the Scandinavian country to monitor Russian military movements.
The two B-1B Lancers now in northern Sweden are from the 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota.
Three weeks ago, bombers from Ellsworth Air Force Base were deployed to carry out airstrikes in Iraq and Syria against pro-Iranian group positions.
Now, bombers from the same base are stationed in the “High North” of Sweden, in close proximity to the Russian border.
“During this deployment in northern Sweden, the bombers and their crews will integrate with the Swedish Armed Forces, NATO allies, and international partners to consolidate strength and security commitments under the responsibility of the United States European Command,” according to a statement from the United States military.
Meanwhile, Major General Jonas Wikman, the Swedish Air Force Commander, stated that in these uncertain times, the presence of the U.S. bombers is of utmost importance.
“With the upcoming NATO membership, it is crucial to have committed partners. The Swedish Air Force has regularly conducted exercises with the USAF’s Bomber Task Force,” he said.
Colonel Derek Oakley, Commander of the 28th Bomb Wing, emphasized that the presence of the bombers from Ellsworth Air Base signifies the United States’ commitment to its allies and NATO members.
The U.S. B-1B strategic bombers are capable of carrying up to 24 cruise missiles or 34 tons of various bombs and weaponry on a single bombing mission.
Capable of speeds up to Mach 1.2, these bombers can reach any corner of the globe but require refueling support from air tankers like the A330 MRTT.
The bombers are equipped with four General Electric F101-GE-102 turbofan engines with afterburners, each providing over 30,000 pounds of thrust.
Each B-1B strategic bomber is operated by a crew of four, including two pilots and two Weapons System Officers (Wizzos).
Currently, the United States Air Force maintains an active fleet of 45 B-1B strategic bombers, including one that was forced to make an emergency landing at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota. — DSA