US B-2 bombers fly alongside Japanese F-35 fighters for first time
Sep 14, 2024
Washington [US], September 14: The fighter jets flew together in the Indo-Pacific region as part of a Bomber Task Force mission, in which the bombers will operate with US allies and partners and demonstrate the ability to operate the bombers anywhere in the world , Business Insider reported on September 12.
The US Pacific Air Forces have released images of B-2s and F-35As flying in formation. This is the first time a B-2 stealth bomber has flown alongside F-35s of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF).
The B-2 took off from Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley. When it encountered Japanese fighters , the pilots conducted coordination and aerial refueling.
"The opportunity to integrate our B-2 Spirit pilots with the JASDF's fifth-generation aircraft is a significant milestone for bilateral integration operations," said Lt. Col. Justin Meyer, US Air Force.
Over the past three weeks, B-2 Spirits have been participating in the U.S. Air Force Bomber Task Force mission, which prioritizes assessing the capabilities and integration of bombers - such as the B-2 Spirit, B-1 Lancers and B-52 Stratofortresses - for joint missions with allies.
The B-2 Spirit strategic bomber has a powerful firepower and stealth capabilities that make it stand out from most other US bombers. According to the US Air Force, this bomber, which costs more than $1.1 billion, has intercontinental capabilities, and its 18-ton payload allows it to carry a variety of weapons.
The B-2 first saw combat in Kosovo in 1999 and has since appeared in numerous conflict zones.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
