USAF B-2 bombers conduct landmark interoperability training with RAF F-35 fighters

USAF B-2 bombers conduct landmark interoperability training with RAF F-35 fighters.

On August 29, 2019, U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit bombers conducted interoperability training with Royal Air Force F-35 fighter jets, in the first-ever non-U.S. F-35 integration with the B-2.

According to USAFE press release, this training aims to demonstrate U.S. support to NATO and underscores U.S. commitment to deterring adversary aggression toward allies and partners. It also enhances the U.S.’s ability to integrate bombers with fifth-generation fighter aircraft like the F-35.

The B-2 bombers, part of the Bomber Task Force currently deployed to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility, are from the 509th Bomb Wing, Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. The aircraft arrived in theater on Aug. 27 and are temporarily operating out of RAF Fairford. The deployment of strategic bombers to the U.K. helps exercise RAF Fairford as U.S. Air Forces in Europe’s forward operating location for bombers.

“Our Royal Air Force friends are integral to the 509th Bomb Wing mission," Lt. Col. Rob Schoeneberg, Bomber Task Force commander, 393rd Expeditionary Squadron said. "The beauty of our partnerships is that we get to understand how they see the world. Working alongside international fifth generation aircraft provides unique training opportunities for us, bolsters our integration capabilities, and showcases the commitment we have to our NATO alliance.”

Images: RAF