RAF Typhoons, currently based in the Middle East, have escorted US Air Force B-52 bombers and carried out integration training as part of several US Bomber Task Force sorties to the region.
In the Middle East, in addition to the RAF Typhoons, the bombers were escorted at different times by aircraft from both regional allies and other members of the International Counter Daesh Coalition. The regional allies included for the first time Iraqi Air Force F-16s. During the sorties the B-52s also dropped live munitions at ranges in several partner nations.
“The US BTF sorties are important to the RAF as it is one of the regular opportunities to work with one of our closest Allies. The sorties maintain our experience flying with the USAF BTF during the day and at night. It demonstrates the RAF’s ability to conduct such missions and project air power in a coalition, at distance, when required.”
Wing Commander Chris Pearson
The two USAF B-52s are currently based at RAF Fairford, in Gloucestershire and flew across Europe before entering Middle East airspace during their missions. The sorties included night and day flying with at one point during a night sortie, two USAF B-52s, two KC-135 tankers and two RAF Typhoons and a Voyager Multi Role Transport Tanker all operating in coordination.
“Bomber Task Force missions demonstrate US power projection capability, commitment to regional security, and ability to respond to any state or non-state actor seeking to broaden or escalate conflict in the CENTCOM region”.
General ‘Erik’ Kurilla
US CENTCOM Commander
