Source: United States Strategic Command
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany –
U.S. Air Forces in Europe integrated with air forces from Romania, Croatia, and Bulgaria for ONYX CROSS, a Bomber Task Force 25-2 mission over Eastern and Southern Europe on March 3.
A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortresses operating out of RAF Fairford in the United Kingdom partnered with Romanian F-16 Vipers, Croatian Rafales, and Bulgarian MiG-29s to execute aerial maneuvers and refine combat tactics.
“BTF missions serve as an assurance and deterrence initiative – they aim to provide a strategic element to NATO’s collective defense,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Aaron Gurley, U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa BTF planner.
The complexity of missions like ONYX CROSS demands agility from all participants, requiring seamless coordination and adaptability across air forces.
The mission began with B-52s integrating with F-16s for a standoff weapons simulation, practicing an advanced missile release while staying outside an adversary’s threat range. The bombers then executed a simulated bomb drop on pre-planned targets, integrating with Bulgaria for a dynamic targeting objective as MiG-29s provided close-air support.
“The B-52 integrates seamlessly with Allied and partner forces through combined operations like ONYX CROSS,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Jacob “Crash” Carlson, 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron pilot. “We refine tactics, communication, and operational coordination. Using secure networks, we share real-time data, ensuring close integration for strategic deterrence, close-air support, and precision strike missions.”
Since arriving at RAF Fairford, the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron has flown seven missions, working with Allied and partner forces across multiple theaters.
“Operating alongside partners has very much shaped my approach by emphasizing clear communication, adaptability to different frameworks, and leveraging coalition strengths to achieve mission success,” Carlson said. “These experiences have refined how we plan for contingencies, execute complex operations, and assess mission outcomes, ensuring we can operate as one unified force when called upon.”
By integrating airpower across nations, missions like ONYX CROSS enhance NATO’s ability to operate as a cohesive force, reinforcing collective defense and stability in the Euro-Atlantic region.
For more information, please contact the USAFE-AFAFRICA Public Affairs office at usafepao.pao@us.af.mil.