(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — In what is perceived as a “provocative” move toward Moscow, two US B-52 “Stratofortress” strategic bombers recently flew near the border of Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave twice.
Kaliningrad, facing the Baltic Sea and bordered by NATO members, Poland and Lithuania, serves as Russia’s westernmost territory and the main base for its Baltic Fleet.
The two American B-52 bombers, capable of carrying various bombs and missiles including with nuclear warhead were deployed to the Royal Air Force (RAF) base in Fairford, United Kingdom, as part of a four-aircraft Bomber Task Force mission originating from their base in North Dakota, USA.
On the day of the incident, the US-based bombers left the UK base to conduct flights in the Baltic region, escorted at various points by two Spanish Air Force F/A-18 fighters, two Polish Air Force MiG-29s, and five German Air Force Eurofighter Typhoons.
Flight tracking data revealed that at one point during their Baltic mission, the US bombers came within just a few dozen kilometers of Russia’s exclave, Kaliningrad.
The bombers approached Kaliningrad again on their return flight to the United Kingdom.
The B-52s also circled Lithuania and passed through the airspace of the Netherlands, Germany, and Poland.
According to a US Air Force spokesperson, the Bomber Task Force mission demonstrated NATO’s capability and its partners to operate together to ensure the stability and prosperity of the Baltic region.
“It also sends a strong message to potential adversaries, deterring aggressive behavior, enhancing stability, and providing reassurance to the public in the Euro-Atlantic area,” the spokesperson stated.
Meanwhile, a NATO command center commented that the operation of the US B-52s was contextual and focused on the Baltic region.
Another Bomber Task Force, comprising B-1B Lancer bombers, operates out of Andersen Air Base in Guam, though the US Air Force has not disclosed details about their assignments.
On May 24, two B-52 bombers flew in the northern Baltic Sea in joint exercises with the Swedish Air Force, practicing ground target strikes.
On May 29, two B-52s circled the North Sea, but the US Air Force has not released information about this exercise. — DSA