NordenBladet — On Monday, a United States B-52 strategic bomber entered the Estonian airspace and conducted a formation flight over Tallinn together with two Baltic Air Policing aircrafts.
“Americans come to Ämari with their flight units several times a year and participate in regional exercises as well as in exercises taking place only in Estonia. With today’s exercise, the United States Air Force demonstrated its global reach and affirmed that allied relations are important to them, “said Colonel Rauno Sirk, the Commander of Estonian Air Force.
Strategic bomber B-52 arrived in Estonia from North Dakota Minot air base in the United States, air refueling was also performed during the flight. The bomber was accompanied by a French Mirage 2000-5 from Ämari Air Base and a British Eurofighter from Šiauliai Air Base in Lithuania. From Tallinn, they headed to repeat the exercise around Riga Airport.
The United States conducts similar exercises regularly to assess its readiness and, if necessary, to fulfill its security responsibilities. The exercises help to increase the level of training of NATO Allies which is important for responding to potential crises around the world.
The B-52H Stratofortress is a long-range, heavy bomber that can perform a variety of missions. The bomber is capable of flying at high subsonic speeds at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet (15,166.6 meters). It can carry nuclear or precision guided conventional ordnance with worldwide precision navigation capability. In a conventional conflict, the B-52 can perform strategic attack, close-air support, air interdiction, offensive counter-air and maritime operations.
Source: Estonian Defence Forces