US Air Force deploys B-52 Stratofortress, B-2 Spirit strategic bombers in Europe for military drills.

The bombers will integrate into several exercise activities, including air intercept training, simulated mining operations during SABER STRIKE, inert ordnance drops during BALTOPS, and close air support. Each activity provides unique opportunities for bomber crews to integrate and train with other USEUCOM components and regional allies and partners while exercising the U.S.'s key bomber capabilities.

"This deployment to RAF Fairford was specifically designed and closely coordinated with the United Kingdom and our regional Allies to ensure maximum opportunities to synchronize and integrate our bomber capabilities with their military assets," said U.S. Navy Adm. Cecil D. Haney, U.S. Strategic Command commander. "Participation of B-52s in Exercises BALTOPS and SABER STRIKE demonstrates our nation's steadfast commitment to promoting regional stability and security, fostering cooperation and increasing interoperability as we work alongside our allies toward mutual goals."

The deployment demonstrates the long-standing relationship between the U.S. and U.K. Elevating RAF Fairford to active status is a key component to this deployment due to the critical capabilities of the base. The fully-developed and tested infrastructure and support facilities at the airfield, as well as its strategic location and unique capabilities, establish the base as a key location for large-scale exercises and readiness operations and an ideal site for bomber operations.

RAF Fairford has a long history of bomber operations, serving the contingency requirements of the U.S. and Royal Air Forces and their NATO partners since it first opened in 1944. Most recently, RAF Fairford served as a forward operating base for deployed B-52s and B-2s in June 2014. Both platforms conducted training evolutions in and around the U.K. during this time and B-52s participated in the 70th anniversary of D-Day commemoration events.

USSTRATCOM's bomber force regularly conducts combined training and theater security cooperation engagements with allies and partners. B-52 participation in Exercises BALTOPS and SABER STRIKE follows several global missions during the past year to enhance interoperability.

Two B-52s participated alongside Jordanian forces in U.S. Central Command's (USCENTCOM's) Exercise EAGER LION 2015 in May. The mission consisted of a nonstop 30-plus hour sortie from the continental U.S. to the USCENTCOM area of operations.