According to the Swedish Armed Forces, this is the first time this type of aircraft has landed in Sweden. The defence has previously exercised with various units from the U.S. Bomber Task Force (BTF), including last year when several B-52 Stratofortresses dropped live bombs over the Vidsel test range where Swedish ground forces designated targets.
- This is a historic event. In these troubled times and while awaiting NATO membership, strong partners are important. We have repeatedly exercised with the Bomber Task Force, practising the entire chain, from escort and communication to live weapon deployment, and now we are taking the next step in our cooperation by basing the B1-B Lancer on Swedish soil, says Deputy Chief of the Air Force Brigadier General Tommy Petersson in an article on the Swedish Armed Forces' website.
B-1B Lancers from the Bomber Task Force have been present around Europe recently. On Saturday, 17 June, two B-1B Lancers performed a flyover at the Turku Airshow in Turku, Finland, according to the Finnish newspaper Ilta-Sanomat. On the same day, two aircraft exercised with the Latvian defence. Baiba Braže, former Latvian ambassador and now spokesperson for NATO, pointed out that the exercise took place on the anniversary of the Soviet occupation and that the bombers flew over the capital's freedom monument.
The exercise in Sweden was preceded by secrecy and long planning. Before the bombers landed in Luleå, American ground personnel arrived to receive the planes.
- Yesterday we saw our B-1B Lancers land on Swedish soil escorted by Swedish Jas 39 Gripen. The BTF is tasked with conducting operations worldwide, contributing to stability and increasing readiness for missions when and if needed. The more we can integrate with other armed forces, the more prepared we are to face challenges together now and in the future, says Brigadier General Bryony Terrell from U.S. European Command's strategy, plans and policy deputy director, U.S. Air Force to the Swedish Armed Forces.