US B-2 bombers fly alongside Japanese F-35 fighters for first time

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).

US B-2 bomber flies among Japanese F-35 fighters

The B-2 took off from the Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley. When encountering Japanese fighters, the pilots conducted coordination operations and refueled in the air.

“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 Chief of Staff.

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.

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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: https://thanhnien.vn/may-bay-nem-bom-b-2-my-lan-dau-sat-canh-tiem-kich-f-35-nhat-ban-185240914082326402.htm