Allied Fighter Jets Escort U.S. B-1s Through the Black Sea

RAMSTEIN, Germany – Allied fighters from Denmark, Poland, Canada, and the US escorted US Air Force B-1B bombers from Fairford, UK through Eastern Europe into the Black Sea for joint training on November 6.

The Allied aircraft practiced fighter-bomber escort procedures and bi-lateral communication on the long-range mission flying from the UK to the Black Sea. Then the aircraft conducted a range of simulated offensive strikes and defensive manoeuvres to support flying training objectives and interoperability between Allied aircraft and crews.

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“Having the ability to move critical assets across the globe and throughout the continent at a moment’s notice gives our Alliance the ability to respond and counter threats anywhere, anytime.“

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The B-1s also practiced air-to-air refuelling procedures with a Turkish KC-135 while in the Black Sea, further reinforcing interoperability and strengthening the relationship with this Ally in a vital strategic location.

U.S. B-1B refueled over the Black Sea by Turkish KC-135. Photo: Turkish Air Force.