Massive US nuclear bombers deployed in Europe for training in impressive show of force against China and Russia
AMERICA’S strategic nuclear bomber squadrons have been in the sky over the Indo-Pacific region and Europe — to show they are ready to strike despite the coronavirus pandemic.
In a massive show of strength, the US Air Force has flown all three types of its bomber aircraft on long-range missions over the past week.
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The B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, the B-52H Stratofortress and the B-1B Lancer are all capable of carrying nuclear tipped bombs and cruise missiles.
USAF in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander General Jeffrey L. Harrigan said: “The health of our team has been a top priority from the start of our Covid response and is key to sustaining missions like the bomber task force.
“Although mitigation efforts created challenges to overcome, our allies, partners and adversaries should make no mistake that we are ready, able and willing to deter and defend when called upon.”
The war games are a clear signal to Russia but especially China which has been using the coronavirus crisis to assert control of the vital South China Sea and flex its military muscles.
The US this week sent two warships – the USS Montgomery and the USNS Cesar Chavez – to the hotspot as part of a “presence operation”.
The move came in response to reports Chinese ships were harassing Panamanian-flagged vessel West Capella, which was drilling for oil in an area claimed by Malaysia.
It was the second time in a month US warships had to be deployed to deter alleged Chinese harassment of neighbouring countries.
It also comes amid reports that some in Beijing are clamouring to invade Taiwan which it claims as its own.
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The US is boosting its air power around the world after the navy faced weeks of bad headlines after the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier coronavirus debacle.
The ship has been tied up in Guam since March 27 after more than a thousand crew members tested positive for Covid-19 following a port visit in Vietnam.
Several other US aircraft carriers are out of action or far from the Pacific.
