After being intercepted in international airspace over the Arctic by Russian fighters, two B-52H bombers of the U.S Air Force (USAF) have arrived at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, Romania, to join Task Force 24-4 deployed there. Specifically, both aircraft will be part of the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron under the U.S European Command and will be deployed alongside NATO assets in various activities to enhance combined capabilities.
Regarding this, General James Hecker, commander of USAFE-AFAFRICA, stated: “In today’s global environment, it is vital that we are prepared to deliver a range of sustainable capabilities over long distances. This iteration of Bomber Task Force provides an excellent opportunity to refine our agile combat employment tactics, techniques, and procedures (…) Through collaborative efforts with our allies, the United States enables our forces to counter current and future threats.”
As previously mentioned, the two B-52H bombers now stationed in Romania had been intercepted by Russian fighters over the Arctic, specifically by two MiG-29 and MiG-31 fighters. The incident occurred in the morning (at 8 a.m. Central European Time) on July 21st, while USAF aircraft were conducting a routine flight over the Barents Sea as part of ongoing deployments in the European theater to increase deterrence amid rising tensions with Russia.
In line with this, General Hecker himself expressed: “The United States is committed to working alongside our NATO allies and partners across the eastern flank to ensure we have the combined skills and coordination capabilities necessary to maintain regional security and stability.”
It is worth noting that this is the first observed deployment of B-52H bombers in Romanian territory, although other alliance members have operated various aircraft from the same air base. Recently, seven Finnish F/A-18 Hornets arrived at the base for air policing missions (which escorted the US bombers in question), while in April, British Eurofighter and Polish F-16 fighters were stationed in Romania for the Astral Knight exercise, highlighting the high level of activity at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base.
*Image credits: USAF
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