By Kris Osborn, President, Warrior
Two Russian fighter jets recently “intercepted” US Air Force B-52s transiting over the Barents Sea en route to Romania for a Bomber Task Force mission, a development which not only highlights tensions and dangers between the US and Russia in the region but also demonstrates the ongoing need for the US and NATO to solidify its bomber presence in region as a deterrent.
“The U.S. aircraft did not change course due to the intercept and continued along their scheduled flight plan without incident, allowing the B-52s to perform their pre-planned mission which included integration alongside NATO fighter aircraft before landing at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base,” an essay from US Air Forces Europe explained.
Fortunately, as described, the intercept did not result in any kind of unwanted escalation, yet it highlights the strategic and geographic significance of key Eastern European NATO allies such as Romania. The deployment of the B-52 bomber-task-force marks the first time US strategic bomber aircraft have operated out of Romania, something which puts B-52s well within striking distance of Ukraine and Russia. Not only is Romania along the Black Sea but it also shares a 384-mile border with Ukraine.
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“The U.S. is dedicated to work alongside our NATO Allies and partners along the Eastern Flank to ensure we have the combined skills and coordination capabilities necessary to maintain regional safety, security, and stability,” Gen. James Hecker, USAFE-AFAFRICA commander, said in an Air Force essay.
Kris Osborn is the President of Warrior Maven – Center for Military Modernization. Osborn previously served at the Pentagon as a Highly Qualified Expert with the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army—Acquisition, Logistics & Technology. Osborn has also worked as an anchor and on-air military specialist at national TV networks. He has appeared as a guest military expert on Fox News, MSNBC, The Military Channel, and The History Channel. He also has a Masters Degree in Comparative Literature from Columbia University
