Allied coordination in F2T2 maneuvers
While NATO exercisesKnown as F2T2 (find, fix, track and target), aircraft from different countries cooperated to strike and eliminate mock targets. These exercises required precise coordination across multiple domains, including air, land, sea, cyber and space. Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) assets were crucial to locate and communicate target information to other units.
General Hecker on NATO readiness
General James HeckerCommander of Allied Air Command, emphasized that exercises like F2T2 aim to ensure readiness NATO to respond to any potential threats. The German 4th Expeditionary Air Support Operations Squadron participated in the maneuvers, coordinating the air activities of several countries.
Participation of fighters from Spain, Holland and Germany
Fighters from several countries participated in the exercises, including Spain’s F-18 Hornet, the Netherlands’ F-35, Germany’s Tornado and Denmark’s F-16. Poland and the United States provided ISR capabilities, and Germany and the United Kingdom provided aerial refueling capabilities. This demonstrates Allied cooperation in a variety of air operations.
American B-52 bombers play a key role
Two American aircraft played a key role in the maneuvers B-52 bombers, capable of striking at long ranges, including with the use of nuclear weapons. These bombers participated in the 24-4 Bomber Task Force (BTF) mission, taking off from Mihail Kogalniceanu base in Romania. This mission is part of the global mission Large-Scale Global Exercise 2024, intended to train cooperation between US and allied forces.
Exercises as part of US global operations
Large-Scale Global Exercise 2024 is a global exercise of U.S. forces that trains cooperation with allies in multiple theaters of operation. The inclusion of U.S. bombers in NATO exercises in Europe demonstrates a dynamic readiness to respond to threats and the ability to conduct integrated, multi-domain operations on a global scale.