Bombers B-52, F-35 jets participate in live-fire Arctic drills together with Norway and the United Kingdom.
Laid-back Take on APEX Buccaneer:
Greg Hadley and David Roza were part of a wild ride on Dec 3, as Air Force B-52 bombers lit up the skies of Norway with live ordnance. It was all part of a training exercise called APEX Buccaneer, designed to polish up NATO allies' data-sharing and targeting skills near the Arctic Circle.
During the APEX Buccaneer event, US B-52s, F-35 fighters, KC-135 tankers, a U-2 spy plane, Norwegian F-35s, P-8 maritime patrol jets, British F-35s, Typhoon fighters, a Voyager tanker, and a RC-135 reconnaissance jet joined forces. Even Norwegian army, navy, and special forces troops weren't shy about getting in on the action.
The main goal of this multi-national powwow was mastering multidomain find, fix, track, and target (F2T2) tactics. In F2T2 lingo, 'find' means sweeping the battlefield for potential targets, while 'fix' means securing the target's exact location. 'Track' refers to keeping tabs on the target's moves, and 'target' means executing the perfect strike.
American, Norwegian, and British forces put their skills to the test during the APEX Buccaneer exercise. They worked together to share information across various platforms, creating a unified picture of the simulated battlefield, and dropped weapons on targets designated by Norwegian joint terminal attack controllers. Only the B-52s got in on the action, a USAFE spokesperson confirmed.
"APEX Buccaneer showcased the smooth integration of F-35 data-sharing capabilities," a USAFE press release stated, "as pilots from all three nations swapped real-time tactical data, creating a unified air picture and demonstrating the aircraft's ability to boost firepower."
According to Group Capt. Hannah Bishop, the head of operations plans for the Royal Air Force, interoperability is vital to NATO's defense of the northern flank.
"This exercise showcased important enduring strengths of our alliance," she said, "Our ability to understand each other's operations, share crucial information quickly, and work together seamlessly."
Regular multinational training is par for the course in military life in Europe, and it's no different for the B-52s. In September, two B-52s flew alongside fighters, tankers, and other assets from six NATO allies in an F2T2 exercise over Poland. Later, in November, B-52s dropped weapons on a Lithuanian range during another training session.
"Together, we are a credible deterrent, and if required, we're ready to defend the Arctic region," Brig. Gen. Tron Strand, commander of Joint Air Operations Center in Norway, said in a press release.
Meanwhile, on Nov 26, Russian Su-27 fighters intercepted two B-52s near Kaliningrad. The bombers were there to train with Finland, but tensions in the region remain high after the US cleared Ukraine to use American-made long-range missiles against targets in Russia late last month. Russian President Vladimir Putin responded with a medium-range ballistic missile launch at Ukraine a few days later.
A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron flies above Norway during a exercise APEX Buccaneer as part of Bomber Task Force 25-1 Dec. 3 2024.(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jacob Cabanero)A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron flies above Bergen, Norway, during a Norwegian-led trilateral exercise, APEX Buccaneer, as part of Bomber Task Force 25-1 Dec. 3 2024. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jacob Cabanero)A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron flies during Bomber Task Force 25-1 above the North Sea, Dec. 3 2024. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jacob Cabanero)Air
Insights:- APEX Buccaneer was a multinational exercise designed to improve NATO allies' data-sharing and targeting skills near the Arctic Circle.- The goal of such exercises is to master multidomain find, fix, track, and target (F2T2) tactics by working seamlessly across branches and international partners.- The exercise enhanced interoperability, improved multidomain operations, adapted to emerging threats, and was crucial in securing critical regions like the Arctic for NATO.
- During APEX Buccaneer, various aircraft such as B-52 bombers, F-35 fighters, KC-135 tankers, U-2 spy planes, Norwegian F-35s, P-8 maritime patrol jets, British F-35s, Typhoon fighters, Voyager tankers, RC-135 reconnaissance jets, and other assets participated, showcasing the aerospace industry's contributions to military defense.
- The B-52s dropped ordnance on targets specified by Norwegian joint terminal attack controllers, demonstrating the importance of effective weapons systems in military operations.
- The exercise highlighted the necessity of a Space Force, as space-based capabilities would have enhanced situational awareness and improved F2T2 tactics by providing data on targets in real-time.
- Pilots from different countries collaborated, exchanging real-time tactical data, which showcased the advanced aircraft's ability to boost firepower and the aerospace industry's significant role in finance and defense.
- The strategic location of the Arctic region necessitates regular military training to maintain a credible deterrent, ensuring readiness in case of conflict.
- The exercise reinforced the importance of aerospace technology in modern warfare, as efficient aircraft operations and data-sharing can dictate the outcome of any engagement.
- In November, Russian Su-27 fighters intercepted B-52s near Kaliningrad, raising tensions in the region and emphasizing the necessity for continued military preparedness, including the smart integration of aerospace capabilities.
