U.S. B-52 bombers train with Dutch, Danish, and Swedish fighters in Arctic TOWER CITADEL mission

During the mission, the U.S. bombers worked alongside Royal Netherlands Air Force F-35 Lightning IIs, Royal Danish Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons, and Swedish JAS 39 Gripens. The training focused on responding to simulated airborne threats and aircraft incursions in the High North region.

Lt. Col. Kendall Smith, Bomber Task Force chief for U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa, emphasised the importance of interoperability. He stated that joint exercises improve coordination, communication, and readiness for real-world scenarios.

TOWER CITADEL is the thirteenth operation completed during the current Bomber Task Force deployment. These missions are designed to strengthen allied lethality, readiness, and warfighting capabilities in strategically important regions.