US Bombing Drill: On March 11, two U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress bombers made history by dropping live bombs in Sweden for the first time. This mission, called VIKING NEBULA, was part of a larger effort to strengthen military cooperation between the U.S. and Sweden. Two Swedish JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets escorted the B-52s to the Vidsel Test Range, where they released GBU-38 bombs. These bombs are precision-guided weapons that can hit targets with great accuracy.
The mission also included support from U.S. and Swedish ground teams, who helped guide the bombs to their targets. This exercise helped improve teamwork between air and ground forces in a challenging training environment. After the bombing exercise, the B-52s flew low over the Swedish Parliament to celebrate Sweden’s one-year anniversary of joining NATO.
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According to The Eurasian Times, B-52s and their crews are currently based at RAF Fairford in England. From there, they carry out missions with NATO allies and partners across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. These missions help improve coordination and strengthen the military capabilities of all countries involved.
The B-52H Stratofortress
The B-52H Stratofortress is a long-range bomber that has been in service since the Cold War. First flown in 1952, the B-52H model was introduced in 1961 and remains a key part of the U.S. Air Force’s bomber fleet. The plane is powered by eight engines and can fly over 8,800 miles without refueling. It can carry up to 70,000 pounds of weapons, including nuclear and conventional bombs, missiles, and precision-guided munitions.
The B-52H has a wingspan of 185 feet and can fly at high altitudes, making it a powerful tool for long-range missions. Over the years, the plane has been upgraded with modern technology, including advanced radar and weapons systems. The U.S. Air Force plans to keep the B-52H in service until the 2050s, with new engines and other improvements to keep it flying for decades to come.
The B-52H has been used in many major conflicts, from the Vietnam War to recent operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Its ability to deliver massive firepower has made it a feared weapon on the battlefield. Despite its age, the B-52H remains a reliable and cost-effective option for the U.S. military.
GBU-38 JDAM
The GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) is a smart bomb that turns ordinary bombs into precision-guided weapons. Developed by Boeing, the GBU-38 uses GPS technology to hit targets with great accuracy, even in bad weather or at night. It is built around a 500-pound bomb and can strike targets within 5 meters of its aim point.
The GBU-38 can be launched from many U.S. aircraft, including the B-52H, F-16, and F-35. It allows pilots to hit targets from up to 15 miles away, keeping them safe from enemy defenses. Since its first use in the Kosovo War, the GBU-38 has been widely used in conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria.
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One of the best things about the GBU-38 is its cost. At around $25,000 per kit, it is much cheaper than other precision weapons but still highly effective. The U.S. military has produced over 400,000 JDAM kits, making the GBU-38 a key part of modern warfare.
This mission in Sweden showed how the B-52H and GBU-38 work together to deliver precise and powerful strikes. It also highlighted the strong partnership between the U.S. and its NATO allies
