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Royal Air Force (RAF) F-35s recently took to the skies above the Dover coast in the UK alongside B-2 Spirit stealth bombers from the US Air Force (USAF). All images: Crown Copyright / MOD
This was the UK’s F-35s as they flew alongside the B-2s, which are currently deployed in RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, as part of integrated flight training exercises.
The USAF’s B-2s are part of Bomber Task Force Europe and are set to take part in a range of training exercises during their deployment.
UK Air Battle Staff chief of staff, Group Captain Richard Yates, said: “We’re delighted that the USAF and 501st Wing Bomber Task Force are here in the UK and that our F-35 Lightning pilots have the chance to fly alongside and train with the B-2 bomber crews."
RAF Fairford plays a key role in US-UK defence collaboration, routinely hosting aircraft from the USAF. The deployment of US aircraft to the base is largely to support NATO operations across Europe.
US Air Force Bomber Task Force Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Rob Schoeneberg, said: “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.”
Royal Air Force (RAF) F-35s recently took to the skies above the Dover coast in the UK alongside B-2 Spirit stealth bombers from the US Air Force (USAF). All images: Crown Copyright / MOD
This was the UK’s F-35s as they flew alongside the B-2s, which are currently deployed in RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, as part of integrated flight training exercises.
UK Air Battle Staff chief of staff, Group Captain Richard Yates, said: “We’re delighted that the USAF and 501st Wing Bomber Task Force are here in the UK and that our F-35 Lightning pilots have the chance to fly alongside and train with the B-2 bomber crews."
RAF Fairford plays a key role in US-UK defence collaboration, routinely hosting aircraft from the USAF. The deployment of US aircraft to the base is largely to support NATO operations across Europe.
US Air Force Bomber Task Force Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Rob Schoeneberg, said: “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.”