Two B-52H Stratofortress strategic bombers arrived within the UK from Barksdale AFB on Sept. 12 forward of Train Cobra Warrior 25-2, which kicks off subsequent week.
Utilizing the callsigns SCALP 93 and SCALP 94, the primary of the 2 B-52s, 61-0029, arrived in British skies at round 0730 UTC and touched down at RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire simply after 0800 UTC. The second plane, 61-0014, adopted just a little in a while, touchdown at round 0930 UTC.
Of the 2 plane, solely 61-0029 is within the U.S. Air Pressure’s nuclear-capable fleet – 61-0014 being one of many airframes which had all nuclear weapons associated gear eliminated to adjust to the New START treaty. Nuclear succesful and standard solely B-52s might be distinguished by the totally different positioning of two antenna fins positioned in direction of the rear of the fuselage. Final yr it was reported that, as a result of expiry of New START, Congress would push for all B-52s to be returned to full nuclear functionality.
0450z SCALP 93 x1 USAF B-52/H StratofortressApprox 1 hour behind firm (#B52) #SCALP94Departed from Barksdale AFB #KBAD Vacation spot RAF Fairford #EGVA for Train Cobra Warrior 25-2.Oceanic clearance with Gander Radio#SCALP93 Tail : 61-0014#SCALP94 Tail : 61-0029 pic.twitter.com/UK8aWUb5Gp
— Andy (@Andyyyyrrrr) September 12, 2025
The 2 bombers arrived in Europe at a very tumultuous time, though their deployment has been anticipated by native fanatics for some months. As early as Might, the participation of two B-52s in Train Cobra Warrior 25-2 was confirmed by the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), although again then we might solely speculate whether or not this is able to contain a full deployment or just encompass long-range missions undertaken immediately from america.
Each plane are being operated by the 307th Bomb Wing, based mostly at Barksdale Air Pressure Base in Louisiana. The 307th beforehand took half in Train Cobra Warrior in 2019. “The B-52 brings strategic attain and long-range strike capabilities to the combat. Workouts like Cobra Warrior 2025 guarantee we preserve a pointy edge,” mentioned the unit’s deployed commander, Lt. Col. Kenny Squires. “For our staff, it’s an opportunity to function in a high-tempo, coalition surroundings away from house station and construct readiness that underpins international deterrence. It additionally ensures our allies have publicity to heavy bomber integration and capabilities that they could not see repeatedly in order that each of us are ready for tomorrow’s challenges.”
Squires added: “The first goal of our mission throughout Cobra Warrior 2025 is to reinforce interoperability with our NATO and allied companions whereas executing complicated, multi-domain operations. We’re right here to coach like we combat — in joint, coalition environments — so we will reply successfully to any menace, wherever on this planet.”
Train Cobra Warrior is a big multinational train hosted by the Royal Air Pressure which attracts members from throughout NATO. The RAF describes it as a excessive depth warfighting state of affairs. Primarily centered on air energy, the train does incorporate some floor forces that are supported by tactical fighter plane, transports, and helicopters. This yr the train will contain plane from 4 nations along with the UK.
The U.S. Air Pressure will take part with the B-52s, in addition to F-15E Strike Eagles, F-16C Combating Falcons, F-35A Lightning IIs, CV-22B Ospreys, MC-130J Commando IIs, and KC-135 Stratotankers. Canada will fly CF-188A Hornet (F/A-18C Hornet) fighter plane from 425 Squadron and CC-130J Hercules transport/refueling plane from 435 Squadron.
The ninth Fighter Squadron of the Italian Air Pressure will take part with Eurofighter Typhoons, supported by a G550 CAEW from 71st Squadron. Lastly, Typhoons from the German Air Pressure will deploy from 74 Tactical Air Wing. Civilian contractors Draken, Prime Aces, and GFD may also help the train.
B-52 Markings
The primary B-52 to reach carried the markings of the 93rd Bomb Squadron. 93rd BS is an Air Pressure Reserve Command squadron below the umbrella of the 307th BW. Along with the eleventh BS, the unit is designated as a fleet-wide B-52 Formal Coaching Unit, with instructors chargeable for offering each preliminary and follow-on coaching for B-52 crew members throughout your entire U.S. Air Pressure. Notably, the 93rd BS deployed to RAF Fairford in 2003 and took half in fight missions to Iraq as a part of Operation Enduring Freedom. Whereas the jet carries a squadron’s markings, personnel from throughout the 307th are prone to function the plane for this train. Personnel from the frontline Air Pressure World Strike Command (AFGSC) parented 2nd BW can also be concerned with the deployment.
B-52 SCALP93 arriving at RAF Fairford this morning. OT tail. Video at hyperlink: Extra Pics later. pic.twitter.com/8gziYrEkhJ
— Saint1 (@Saint1Mil) September 12, 2025
Apparently, the opposite plane carries markings for the forty ninth Take a look at and Analysis Squadron (TES), together with an OT ‘Operational Take a look at’ tail code. It’s unclear whether or not this plane was deployed for a selected cause – maybe outfitted with a selected new functionality or piece of kit which is because of be trialled in the course of the train – or if it was merely chosen on account of its availability. It’s reportedly the primary time a B-52 carrying an OT tail code has visited the UK, although the airframe itself has visited beforehand whereas sporting totally different markings.
The forty ninth TES relies alongside different B-52 models at Barksdale, however moderately than being parented by both the 2nd BW or 307th BW the squadron falls below the supervision of the 53rd Wing, headquartered at Eglin Air Pressure Base, and is a part of the U.S. Air Pressure Air Fight Command (ACC). The 53rd Wing is a specialist operational check and analysis (OT&E) unit supporting sub-units that fly the whole lot from B-52 Stratofortresses and B-2 Spirits by way of to F-35 Lightning IIs, F-22 Raptors, and MQ-9 Reapers.
