US, UK, Norway join forces in Arctic military showcase
Norway organized large-scale military exercises involving the United States and the United Kingdom, using fighters, bombers, and tankers. During these exercises, it was possible to capture unusual photos of American B-52H long-range strategic bombers.
The United States, the United Kingdom, and Norway recently completed trilateral military exercises codenamed Apex Buccaneer, focusing on multi-domain tactics. The event, which took place on 3 December 2024 in the far north, brought together advanced military technologies and personnel from the three countries to test their ability to detect, track, and neutralize hostile targets in simulated combat scenarios, explained The Aviationist.
"Multi-domain integration is essential for leveraging the full spectrum of capabilities," emphasized Gen. James Hecker, commander of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Africa. Such collaboration ensures flexibility in responding to emerging threats, especially in contested regions like the Arctic.
American B-52s in unusual photos
Some of the most advanced aircraft in the world participated in the exercises. The United States sent B-52H Stratofortress bombers, KC-135 Stratotanker refuelers, and a U-2 Dragon Lady reconnaissance plane. The United Kingdom deployed Eurofighter Typhoon fighters, an RC-135 Rivet Joint reconnaissance plane, and F-35 Lightning II fighters, while Norway utilized machines such as the F-35 Lightning II and P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. Special forces playing a key role on the ground directed precise strikes on targets at the Setermoen military range in Norway.
Among all the aircraft, only the B-52s dropped live ordnance, demonstrating their capability for precision strikes in Arctic conditions. Electro-optical/infrared sensors, such as the Wescam MX-20HD mounted on the Norwegian P-8A Poseidon maritime aircraft, captured images from this operation.
The American B-52s participating in Apex Buccaneer are part of Bomber Task Force 25-1, currently based at the British Royal Air Force Fairford base. The mission, which began on 8 November 2024, is already the second of its kind this year. The B-52H aircraft currently used by the Americans are bombers created between 1960 and 1962.
They are nearly 50 metres in length, just over 12 metres in height, and have a wingspan close to 57 metres. The B-52H bombers are equipped with eight Pratt & Whitney TF33-P-3/103 turbofan engines. They can fly at speeds exceeding 1,000 km/h at a maximum altitude of over 15,000 metres. The aircraft weigh 228 tonnes in the takeoff configuration, with over 28 tonnes for armament and 162 tonnes for fuel, providing a range exceeding – in the B-52H version – 16,000 kilometres.
