Two Swedish JAS 39 Gripens from Skaraborgs Wing will escort the two B-52 Stratofortresses throughout the mission. Joining up at high altitude in Gothenburg, they will then fly in low formation across the Swedish Parliament in the centre of Stockholm at 1300 Central European Time, before travelling north over Arlanda Airport and Uppsala Airbase.

It is a privilege to fly together.

Depositing its instrument of accession to the North Atlantic Treaty to the Government of the United States in Washington DC, exactly one year ago, Sweden became NATO’s newest member. In an echo of that significant moment of connection, flying in partnership with the B-52s marks a year of strengthening military partnership between both NATO and the United States.

A show of strength of this nature demonstrates that NATO Allies and partners will continue to stand together in support of a safe, stable, and secure Euro‐Atlantic region by increasing military capabilities, readiness, and integration.

"We are the newest member in the Alliance but we have a long history of cooperation with the United States Air Force. They are a key partner and missions like this are an excellent opportunity to train together and strengthen our alliance. It is a privilege to fly together.”, said Swedish Air Force Lt. Col. Mikael Månsson, mission planner at the Swedish Air staff.

The United States and Sweden have maintained a close bilateral friendship ever since 1783, when Sweden was one of the first countries to recognize U.S. independence. Bomber Task Force tangibly represents the U.S. commitment to NATO Allies and partners and the enduring commitment to a whole, free and peaceful Europe. Integrated operations with NATO Allies such as Sweden are critical to the Alliance’s ability to reinforce an extended network of like-minded nations capable of decisively meeting the defense challenges of today and tomorrow.

This deployment showcases the agility of U.S. forces and the strength of our partnership with Sweden.

The United States and Sweden have maintained a close bilateral friendship ever since 1783, when Sweden was one of the first countries to recognize U.S. independence. Bomber Task Force tangibly represents the U.S. commitment to NATO Allies and partners and the enduring commitment to a whole, free and peaceful Europe. Integrated operations with NATO Allies such as Sweden are critical to the Alliance’s ability to reinforce an extended network of like-minded nations capable of decisively meeting the defense challenges of today and tomorrow.

“This deployment showcases the agility of U.S. forces and the strength of our partnership with Sweden,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kendall “Spartan” Smith, U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa Bomber Task Force Chief. “Our ability to rapidly integrate and operate together sends a clear signal of our collective commitment to regional security and stability.”