This week, Norway is hosting large-scale military exercises featuring participation from the United States and the United Kingdom, including fighters, bombers, and tankers.
The collaboration involves Norwegian F-35s and P-8 Poseidons, British F-35s, Eurofighter Typhoons, and an RC-135 Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft. The United States has contributed B-52 Stratofortress bombers, KC-135 Stratotankers, a U-2 Dragon Lady reconnaissance aircraft, and F-35 fighters.
During the exercises, unique images were captured of U.S. B-52 bombers, photographed from a Norwegian Poseidon P-8 aircraft during a night flight. These strategic bombers were completing training missions as part of the broader joint exercises.
The drills are designed to enhance cooperation between the participating countries by simulating scenarios in which they detect, track, and neutralize a hypothetical enemy threat on allied territory. The goal is to improve collective defense capabilities and readiness to receive allied reinforcements, a critical aspect of regional security. In addition to air forces, units from the Norwegian Navy and Special Forces are also taking part.
Air forces from the USA and UK are exercising in Norway together with the NOR Armed Forces. Units from all domains train on effectively identifying, engaging and neutralising targets. This makes Norway and the High North safer. @HQUSAFEAFAF @NATO_AIRCOM @RoyalAirForce @US_EUCOM pic.twitter.com/uRhxaRrh8s
— Norwegian Armed Forces | Forsvaret (@Forsvaret_no) December 4, 2024
“The training demonstrates the Norwegian Armed Forces’ capability to integrate and utilize cutting-edge assets provided by the United Kingdom and the United States in joint operations,” said Brigadier Tron Strand, head of the Joint Air Operations Centre at Reitan, near Bodø.
“It also gives us the opportunity to develop and exercise our air command and control capabilities, including F2T2 (Find, Fix, Track, Target), with close allies. Together, we are a credible deterrence, ready to defend our regions in the Arctic if necessary.”
F2T2, which stands for Find, Fix, Track, and Target, is a military approach used to effectively identify, engage, and neutralize targets in combat operations. The ongoing joint training aims to bolster the allied forces’ ability to respond swiftly to emerging threats, particularly in strategic areas such as the Arctic region.
