U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bombers from the 307th Bomb Wing, based at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, arrived in the United Kingdom on September 11, 2025, to take part in Cobra Warrior 2025, a multi-nation air combat exercise hosted by the Royal Air Force.
The large-scale exercise, designated CW 25-2, is led by the RAF and focuses on advanced tactical and operational-level training in a contested, degraded, and limited operating environment. It brings together aircrews and support elements from multiple NATO and allied nations for a high-end warfighting scenario across various locations in England.
According to the U.S. Air Force, the objective is to ensure readiness for integrated joint operations and develop skills relevant to future conflicts with near-peer adversaries.
“The primary objective of our mission during Cobra Warrior 2025 is to enhance interoperability with our NATO and allied partners while executing complex, multi-domain operations,” said Lt. Col. Kenny Squires, 307th Cobra Warrior Exercise Deployed Commander. “We’re here to train like we fight — in joint, coalition environments — so we can respond effectively to any threat, anywhere in the world.”
The B-52, known for its long-range strike capability, plays a critical role in providing global reach. While deployed to RAF Fairford, U.S. bomber crews are scheduled to carry out a series of advanced training missions that include integration with coalition air forces, joint planning, and tactical coordination across multiple domains.
“This is the second time the 307th BW has participated in a Cobra Warrior Exercise since 2019,” Squires said. “The B-52 brings strategic reach and long-range strike capabilities to the fight. Exercises like Cobra Warrior 2025 ensure we keep a sharp edge.”
In a statement, the U.S. Air Force said CW 25-2 will also serve as the final event for several U.K. Qualified Weapons Instructor courses. The training is designed to sharpen coordination and warfighting techniques within an allied structure, emphasizing readiness in unfamiliar environments far from home stations.
“For our team, it’s a chance to operate in a high-tempo, coalition environment away from home station and build readiness that underpins global deterrence,” Squires added. “It also ensures our allies have exposure to heavy bomber integration and capabilities that they may not see regularly so that both of us are prepared for tomorrow’s challenges.”
The RAF has hosted Cobra Warrior bi-annually since 2019. The 2025 iteration highlights the continuing emphasis placed on allied readiness and strategic deterrence through realistic training scenarios with advanced combat platforms.