This weekend, two 11 Squadron Typhoons, based at 903 Expeditionary Air Wing at RAF Akrotiri, escorted the US Air Force Bomber Task Force on its transit through the Eastern Mediterranean.
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The two B-52 Stratofortresses, assigned to the US Air Force Global Strike Command, travelled from RAF Fairford and flew over the Eastern Mediterranean, Arabian Peninsula and the Red Sea before departing the region. Bomber Task Force missions demonstrate readiness and enhance mission preparation for the US Air Force, but also provide significant training opportunities for coalition partnerships across the Broader Middle East. Escorts supporting the transit included fighter aircraft from the Kuwait Air Force and the Royal Saudi Air Force.
Senior National Representatives of 16 coalition nations, led by the Canadian Senior National Representatives, Royal Canadian Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Wong, provided logistical support for the transit of the Bomber Task Force from the Combined Air Operations Centre.
Communication is critical. By enhancing lines of communication, we are able to establish a clear and direct line in real time amongst the Air Operations Centres of all nations participating. This allows us to work towards a common goal and leads to mission success.
Lieutenant Colonel Wong
Royal Canadian Air Force
This kind of operation demonstrates the collective capabilities of the military partnership we’ve developed in the Middle East. We have the ability to put a significant measure of combat power in the air alongside our partners very quickly. We can do the same on the ground and at sea.
Army General “Erik” Kurilla
Commander of USCENTCOM
From planning and co-ordination through to the execution phase, the Bomber Task Force exercise is a true coalition effort. Aircraft and personnel from a number of nations are playing their part, helping to enhance integration between broader coalition forces in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East regions. UK participation of Typhoon fighters, along with the team here in the Combined Air Operations Centre, demonstrates our commitment to supporting our regional partners in providing security and stability.
Wing Commander Collins
UK National Approval Authority
Read more about RAF Typhoons
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