Stealth B-2s buzz Europe as Russian bombers skirt U.S. airspace

A pair of B-2 Spirit stealth bombers have been dispatched by the Air Force to join three B-2s at the Royal Air Force Base Fairford, in the wake of Russia doubling its number of long range strategic bomber flights along the U.S. coastline and cruising over NATO ally airspace.

Russian bombers crossed into the U.S. Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) – a transition area around U.S. airspace where America does not have sovereignty but keeps closely monitors – at least 10 times in 2014, twice the average of five incursions a year since 2006, according to NORAD. They have also intruded the airspace buffer zones of NATO allies overseas including Ireland, Sweden and the Netherlands.

U.S. defense and congressional officials attribute the increase in flights to rising tensions between Washington and Moscow since the annexation of the Crimean Peninsula.

The two B-2 Spirit stealth bombers — call signs DEATH 11 and 12 — reportedly flew on a recent mission in Europe and are now based in England. Defense news reports indicate the U.S. is preparing to also fly B-52s to Sweden for an aerial exercise, and another two pair of B-52 Stratofortress bombers over the far reaches of the Arctic North Sea high above the polar ice cap where the Kremlin is increasing Russian naval presence and dispatching 6,000 military personnel.

According to online military newsletter Foxtrot Alpha, the Arctic affair now dubbed “Polar Growl” had three objectives: to test and how U.S. Strategic Command would approach two separate missions in two different areas at the same time, to inter-operate with allied air forces dealing with foreign intercepts, and to give B-52 crews experience flying over extreme northern areas.

“These flights, demonstrating the credible and flexible ability of our strategic bomber force in internationally-recognized flight information regions, are the culmination of months of planning and coordination … They are one of many ways we demonstrate interoperability, compliance with national and international protocols, and due regard for the safety of all aircraft sharing the air space,” Foxtrot Alpha quoted STRATCOM head Adm. Cecil Haney as saying.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/jun/9/stealth-b-2s-buzz-europe-russian-bombers-skirt-us-/