Category: AFRICOM

Source: United States EUROPEAN COMMAND

B-52s conduct first live weapons drop in Sweden since nation joined NATO

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress flies over the skies of Sweden during Bomber Task Force 25-2 mission VIKING NEBULA March 11. These operations demonstrate the ability to rapidly deploy strategic assets in support of global stability.

On March 11, two U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortresses participating in Bomber Task Force Mission VIKING NEBULA conducted the first live weapons drop in Sweden since the nation joined NATO.

During the mission, the aircraft were escorted by two Swedish JAS 39 Gripens to the Vidsel Test Range, where they released GBU-38 joint direct attack munitions. Ground support was provided by U.S. and Swedish Joint Terminal Attack Controllers. The mission reinforced coordination between air and ground units, refining precision strike capabilities in a new, complex training environment.

The mission also included a low-formation flyover of the Swedish Parliament to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Sweden’s accession to NATO.

The B-52s and aircrew are currently deployed with the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron at RAF Fairford, England, where they continue to execute operations alongside NATO Allies and partners across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, bolstering collective lethality and improving integration.

VIKING NEBULA marks the eleventh operation completed during this BTF iteration.

Source: United States EUROPEAN COMMAND

‘FORTRESS HAIL’ mission bolsters U.S. lethality alongside NATO Allies

A Finnish Air Force F/A-18C Hornet integrates with a U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress aircraft in support of Bomber Task Force 25-2 mission FORTRESS HAIL on March 06, 2025. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brooklyn Golightly)

U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortresses from the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron at RAF Fairford, England, participated in FORTRESS HAIL, a Bomber Task Force 25-2 mission that included a dynamic targeting exercise over the Baltic Sea involving NATO F-35 Lighting IIs and a live weapons drop with Finnish F/A-18 Hornets, March 6. 

The dynamic target exercise, also referred to as a Find, Fix, Track, Target (F2T2) mission, integrated U.S. aircraft with Dutch F-35 Lightning IIs, NATO’s Airborne Warning and Control System, German KC-30 tankers, and British and U.S. RC-135 Rivet Joints. The exercise enhanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance integration and refined operational tactics, techniques, and procedures. 

The B-52s later proceeded to Rovajärvi Range in Finland, where they conducted GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munition drops with support from the Finnish Army and U.S. Joint Terminal Attack Controllers.  

Bomber Task Force missions like FORTRESS HAIL demonstrate the ability to integrate seamlessly with mission partners, strengthening readiness and lethality. 

Source: United States EUROPEAN COMMAND

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Central Europe defense conference aligns Allies, strengthens relationships

U.S. Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, commander of U.S. European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe – bookended by Amb. Kate Marie Byrnes, civilian deputy and foreign policy advisor to U.S. European Command, and Croatian Lt. Gen. Tihomir Kundid, chief of the Croatian Armed Forces General Staff – leads discussion as co-host of the 2024 Central Europe Chiefs of Defense conference held in Split, Croatia, from June 10-11, 2024. “Venues like this one provide a forum to share ideas and to continue our strategic dialogue which is always aimed toward a free and prosperous Europe,” Cavoli said.

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Central Europe defense conference aligns Allies, strengthens relationships

Chiefs of Defense from Central Europe and the surrounding region join U.S. Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli (fourth form left), commander of U.S. European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe, and Croatian Lt. Gen. Tihomir Kundid (fifth from left), chief of the Croatian Armed Forces General Staff, for a posed photo during the 2024 Central Europe Chiefs of Defense conference held in Split, Croatia, from June 10-11, 2024. The event drew senior military leaders from Bulgaria, Czechia, Croatia, Hungary, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia. This year’s iteration was also attended by delegations from both Moldova and Türkiye to further discuss regional security and strengthen partnerships.

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Central Europe defense conference aligns Allies, strengthens relationships

U.S. Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, commander of U.S. European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe, poses alongside Croatian Lt. Gen. Tihomir Kundid, chief of the Croatian Armed Forces General Staff, during the 2024 Central Europe Chiefs of Defense conference held in Split, Croatia, from June 10-11, 2024. The event drew senior military leaders from Bulgaria, Czechia, Croatia, Hungary, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia. This year’s iteration was also attended by delegations from both Moldova and Türkiye to further discuss regional security and strengthen partnerships.

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Central Europe defense conference aligns Allies, strengthens relationships

Croatian Lt. Gen. Tihomir Kundid, chief of the Croatian Armed Forces General Staff, leads discussion as co-host of the 2024 Central Europe Chiefs of Defense conference held in Split, Croatia, from June 10-11, 2024. “The most efficient way to successfully deter and defend is to act together, and discussions today facilitate the preparations and capabilities required for successful deterrence and defense of the Euro-Atlantic area,” Kundid said.

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Central Europe defense conference aligns Allies, strengthens relationships

Regional leaders took part in the 2024 Central Europe Chiefs of Defense conference held in Split, Croatia, from June 10-11, 2024. During the conference leaders discussed collective efforts toward enhancing cyber and space security and enabling the rapid deployment of forces to respond to crisis via military mobility agreements and prepositioned stocks.

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Central Europe defense conference aligns Allies, strengthens relationships

Chief Master Sergeant Michael McCarty, representing U.S. European Command’ Senior Enlisted Leader Command Sgt. Maj. Rob Abernathy, and Croatian Command Sgt. Maj. Dalibor Dumbović, sergeant major of the Croatian Army, co-host a meeting of senior enlisted leaders as part of the 2024 Central Europe Chiefs of Defense conference in Split, Croatia, June 10. The meeting provided an opportunity for senior enlisted leaders form Central Europe nations and their U.S. National Guard counterparts to strengthen military ties, address ongoing security challenges, enhance mutual understanding, and improve interoperability and joint training development.

U.S. Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, commander of U.S. European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe, co-hosted the 2024 Central Europe Chiefs of Defense Conference alongside Croatian Lt. Gen. Tihomir Kundid, chief of the Croatian Armed Forces General Staff, in Split, Croatia, June 10-11, 2024.

The event drew senior military leaders from Bulgaria, Czechia, Croatia, Hungary, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia. This year’s iteration was also attended by delegations from both Moldova and Türkiye to further discuss regional security and strengthen partnerships.

“Venues like this one provide a forum to share ideas and to continue our strategic dialogue which is always aimed toward a free and prosperous Europe,” said Cavoli. “We have begun the wholesale reorganization of our Alliance to bring it from focusing on out-of-area operations…to focus on collective territorial defense. This important transition will secure the nations of our Alliance now and into the future.”

During the conference leaders discussed collective efforts toward enhancing cyber and space security and enabling the rapid deployment of forces to respond to crisis via military mobility agreements and prepositioned stocks.

“The emphasis of our conference is strengthening our readiness and the readiness of our Allies to successfully face the security threats and challenges of our time,” said Kundid. “The most efficient way to successfully deter and defend is to act together, and discussions today facilitate the preparations and capabilities required for successful deterrence and defense of the Euro-Atlantic area.”

The conference was also attended by representatives of the U.S. National Guard Bureau under the auspices of the State Partnership Program, which aligns National Guard organizations with partner nations to hone their ability to operate as one to address security challenges.

Prior to the conference, Gen. Cavoli met with Croatian President Zoran Milanović, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and Defense Minister Ivan Anušić to further the nations’ enduring partnership and comprehensive approach to security cooperation.

Regularly hosted by Allies throughout Europe, Chiefs of Defense conferences are a key component of USEUCOM’s comprehensive approach to regional security. Through continuous engagement, USEUCOM and its Allies foster enduring partnerships and strengthen cooperation among Allied and partner nations.

Source: United States EUROPEAN COMMAND

U.S., Poland Strengthen Defense Ties at Joint Commission; Celebrate Ratification of Landmark Labor Agreement

Senior U.S. and Polish officials convened at U.S. European Command Feb. 26 for the U.S.-Poland Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) Joint Commission to review progress and deepen their enduring defense partnership.

Senior U.S. and Polish officials convened at U.S. European Command Feb. 26 for the U.S.-Poland Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) Joint Commission to review progress and deepen their enduring defense partnership. The EDCA is a foundational agreement that enhances security cooperation and facilitates the presence of U.S. forces in Poland, reinforcing collective defense and contributing to security and stability across the region.

A significant milestone celebrated during the commission was recent ratification of the Labor Implementing Arrangement by the president of Poland, Karol Nawrocki. The agreement, signed last year by Maj. Gen. Daniel Driggers, EUCOM J5 director, bolstered the U.S.-Polish partnership through employment of the Polish workforce.

“The ratification of the Labor IA is a significant step forward and a powerful example of our partnership in action,” said Driggers. “It provides essential, sustainable support to U.S. forces in Poland and helps create opportunities for the local Polish workforce. This is a true win for both our nations.”

The commission also lauded the successful operationalization of numerous critical infrastructure locations. Leaders highlighted the extensive implementation of containerized housing units and recent Polish operationalization of dining facilities for U.S. personnel, which have dramatically improved the quality of life for US service members. This progress is further exemplified by the recent completion of the bulk fuel storage facility at Powidz, Poland, which enhances readiness and interoperability. 

Discussions throughout the commission covered the full spectrum of defense cooperation, reaffirming the shared commitment to enhancing U.S. readiness and the security of NATO’s eastern flank.

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About USEUCOM  U.S. European Command is responsible for U.S. military operations across Europe, portions of Asia and the Middle East, the Arctic and Atlantic Ocean. USEUCOM is comprised of more than 65,000 permanent military personnel supported by rotational forces and DoD civilians working closely with NATO Allies and partners. For more information about USEUCOM, visit www.eucom.mil.

Source: United States EUROPEAN COMMAND

U.S. European Command Deputy Commander U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Steven Basham hosted Chief of Defense of the Czech Republic Armed Forces Lt. Gen. Karel Řehka in Stuttgart on April 10, 2024, to reaffirm the two Allies’ commitment to NATO and European security.

“Security cooperation in Europe works because of Allies like the Czech Republic and leaders like General Řehka,” Basham said. “The Czech Republic’s work to support Ukraine, strengthen deterrence on the eastern flank, and undergo military modernization enhances overall readiness and resolve to assure Euro-Atlantic peace.”

Discussions among USEUCOM representatives and the Czech Republic delegation focused on ways to strengthen an already-robust security cooperation relationship; continued collaboration for the execution of multinational exercises including Steadfast Defender and continued support for Ukraine.

“In a world with evolving threats, it is crucial that we remain flexible and adaptable in our approach to defense,” Řehka said. “By working closely with our Allies and partners, we can share knowledge and resources and develop effective strategies. It is especially important that we stand together and show unity in our commitment to defending our shared values and interests.”

The Czech Republic’s agreement to procure 24 fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets is the most recent example of military modernization efforts that will enhance the ability of Allies and partners to operate as one. Further modernization efforts by the Czech military include upgrades to its rotary-wing fleet.

On April 4, USEUCOM and the Czech Republic collaborated on a Bomber Task Force mission in which fighter jets from the Czech Republic flew alongside U.S. Air Force B-1B bombers, underscoring the collective unity of the Alliance and its commitment to maintain peace in the region.

Elements of the Virginia and West Virginia National Guard will conduct live-fire explosives and small-arms training alongside Czech Republic Armed Forces in the Czech Republic in May as part of Immediate Response, which is under the DEFENDER, Large Scale Global Exercise 24 and Steadfast Defender umbrella exercises.

Source: United States EUROPEAN COMMAND

STUTTGART, Germany – U.S. European Command hosted its annual Chiefs of Mission conference at the command’s headquarters Feb. 4-6 to discuss unified support to U.S. foreign policy and national security efforts in Europe. The conference gathers leaders from across Europe to discuss and synchronize diplomatic and military efforts across the European theater.

 Conference attendees included senior leaders from the command’s headquarters, component commands and the U.S. Department of State, including U.S. ambassadors and chargés d’affaires representing U.S. interests at more than 48 European countries. Panel discussions focused on topics including conventional and hybrid threat to Europe and the U.S. homeland, the Department of War vision for burden sharing in Europe, the Euro-Atlantic defense industrial base, Eastern Flank Deterrence, and next steps for Ukraine.

“EUCOM prioritizes three mission areas: protect the U.S. homeland, project U.S. combat power, and position the Alliance to deter and defend,” said Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich, commander of U.S. European Command. “Enabling our European Allies to take primary responsibility for defense on the continent of Europe is essential.  Strong Allies who provide hard combat power is what allows the U.S. to focus on global challenges.”

 The insights gathered during this event will be implemented alongside Allies and partners in Europe, a reflection of U.S. commitment to addressing shared security concerns.

 “The excellent cooperation between the Department of State and the Department of War has been instrumental in us being able to carry out our duties,” said Kimberly Guilfoyle, U.S. Ambassador to Greece. “Our work here in Europe, from advancing energy security to strengthening our defense partnerships, ensures American strength as we face challenges from Russia to China and beyond.”

About USEUCOM

 U.S. European Command is responsible for U.S. military operations across Europe, portions of Asia and the Middle East, the Arctic and Atlantic Ocean. USEUCOM is comprised of more than 65,000 permanent military personnel supported by rotational forces and DoD civilians working closely with NATO Allies and partners. For more information about USEUCOM, visit www.eucom.mil  .

Source: United States EUROPEAN COMMAND

Following the productive and constructive progress towards President Trump’s goal of peace in Ukraine made by Jared Kushner and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff over the past week, the U.S. and Russian Federation agreed today in Abu Dhabi to reestablish high level military-to-military dialogue. 

This channel of communication was suspended in the fall of 2021, just prior to the onset of the conflict. The reestablishment follows meetings in the United Arab Emirates’ capital between Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich, Commander of U.S. European Command, and senior Russian and Ukrainian military officials. 

Maintaining dialogue between militaries is an important factor in global stability and peace, which can only be achieved through strength, and provides a means for increased transparency and de-escalation. 

This channel will provide a consistent military-to-military contact as the parties continue to work towards a lasting peace.

Gen. Grynkewich also has existing authorities in his role as NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, to maintain military-to-military dialogue with the Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Federation, Gen. Valery Gerasimov, to avoid miscalculation and to provide a means for avoiding unintended escalation by either side.

Gen. Grynkewich looks forward to initiating this high-level dialogue. 

About USEUCOM

U.S. European Command is responsible for U.S. military operations across Europe, portions of Asia and the Middle East, the Arctic and Atlantic Ocean. USEUCOM is comprised of more than 65,000 permanent military personnel supported by rotational forces and DoD civilians working closely with NATO Allies and partners. For more information about USEUCOM, visit www.eucom.mil.