US deploys all its nuclear-capable bombers to Britain
Daily Mail
A spokesman for
the base said the aircraft are being used ‘in support of exercises
BALTOPS (Baltic operations), Saber Strike and Arctic Challenge taking
place in the U.S. European Command area of responsibility.’
Show of force: The B-1 Lancer (left), B-2 Spirit (centre) and B-52 Stratofortress (pictured right) together at RAF Fairford
He told the Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:
‘The deployment of strategic bombers strengthens the effectiveness of
RAF Fairford as the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa’s
forward operating bomber location’ and the deployment of the bombers
provide: ‘important integration and interaction with our joint partners,
UK and NATO allies.’
Despite their use solely being for
exercise purposes currently, the aircraft are capable of delivering a
nuclear strike and have been used in Iraq and Afghanistan in the past.
The decision to deploy the bombers on UK
soil comes as tensions are mounting with Russia as it adopts more a
aggressive military front.
Russian Tupolev Tu-95 ‘Bear’ strategic
bombers have repeatedly been intercepted in recent months by NATO
aircraft, including RAF Typhoons.
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American power: The B-2 Spirit stealth bomber is the world’s most advanced strategic bomber
The long-range, multi-mission B1-B Lancer has been part of the US Air Force since 1985