Two Hungarian JAS-39 Gripens, deployed to Šiauliai Air Base in Lithuania for NATO’s Air Policing mission, joined Swedish Gripens and two U.S. B-1B bombers for the fly past. The formation flew at low level over Latvia’s Monument of Freedom, underlining Allied interoperability and commitment to the region.
“The security of the Baltic States and NATO’s Eastern flank is the cornerstone of the security of the entire Euro-Atlantic region,” said Latvian Minister of Defence Andris Sprūds. “Such U.S. and Allied flyover manoeuvres clearly demonstrate NATO’s presence in the region, transatlantic unity, and commitment to collectively strengthen the security of the Baltic State region.”
The Hungarian Air Force assumed Baltic Air Policing duties at the start of August, marking its fourth such rotation. NATO officials noted that the joint flyover also underscored a scalable Allied force posture across the eastern flank of the Alliance.
The B-1B Lancers deployed from Dyess Air Force Base in Texas and arrived at Ørland Air Base in Norway on 9 August 2025. Their presence in Europe allows U.S. and Allied aircrews to refine tactics, increase flexibility and strengthen coordination, enhancing combined warfighting capabilities.
During the deployment, bomber and fighter crews will train on key elements of the find, fix, track and target process. This is designed to improve the speed and accuracy with which forces can respond to threats in real time, even in contested environments.
Bomber Task Force Europe forms part of a regular series of U.S. deployments to Europe. The initiative reinforces Allied readiness, deepens integration, and demonstrates credible, combat-ready airpower in defence of NATO members and the wider Euro-Atlantic region.
