US B-2 Spirit bombers fly north of Arctic Circle, integrate with Norwegian F-35s.

B-2 Spirit stealth bombers from the 509th Bomb Wing, Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, conducted integration and interoperability training with Norwegian F-35s during a long-range, long duration strategic bomber mission north of the Arctic Circle, June 18, 2020.

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U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bomber assigned to the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing at RAF Mildenhall, England, June 18, 2020 (Picture source: USAF)

“NATO’s 5th-gen(eration) capability and integration is critical for air superiority and enables precision engagement in the most highly contested environments,” said Gen. Jeff Harrigian, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander. “Operations and engagements with our allies and partners, in the Arctic region and elsewhere, demonstrate and strengthen our shared commitment to global security and stability.”

A KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, England, enabled the B-2s to complete the round trip from Whiteman Air Force Base.

These bomber missions represent U.S. commitment to our allies and enhance regional security. We will continue to work with our Nordic allies and conduct Arctic missions to ensure mission readiness and interoperability.

The B-2 Spirit is an American heavy strategic bomber, featuring low observable stealth technology designed for penetrating dense anti-aircraft defenses; it is a flying wing design with a crew of two. The bomber can deploy both conventional and thermonuclear weapons, such as up to eighty 500-pound class (230 kg) Mk 82 JDAM Global Positioning System-guided bombs, or sixteen 2,400-pound (1,100 kg) B83 nuclear bombs.

The B-2’s characteristics give it the unique ability to penetrate an enemy's most sophisticated defenses and threaten its most valued, and heavily defended, targets. Its capability to penetrate air defenses and threaten effective retaliation provides a strong, effective deterrent and combat force