The United States' Bomber Task Force (BTF) is a vital instrument of American airpower and global security, bringing air power to areas all over the world and supporting allied nations.

Established in 2018, BTF missions involve the regular and routine deployment of US bomber forces worldwide to develop the ability to operate from unfamiliar locations and integrate with allies and partner nations.

In the past, US bombers maintained a continual presence at forward bases. Missions typically saw US bombers deployed at various locations abroad for a period of time, and were planned far ahead and deliberate.

Now, the BTF model allows strategic bombers to fly on a moment's notice. Since the start of the BTF model, US bombers have landed for the first time in places without a permanent US bomber presence, including Romania and Iceland.

These operations enhance regional training opportunities, bolster integration with allied forces and ensure operational readiness to respond to emerging threats.

The BTF fleet includes roughly 140 active long-range bombers, including B-52H Stratofortresses, B-2A Spirit aircraft and B-1B Lancers.

The BTF deployment model has evolved over the years as a means to deploy a tailor-built task force of bombers in a Geographic Combatant Command -- such as US Central Command or US European Command -- to serve each commander's unique priorities.

Worldwide reach

The United States continues to demonstrate it is prepared to support key partners with strategic bombers that can fly on a moment's notice.

Most recently, four US Air Force B-52H Stratofortresses departed Royal Air Force Fairford, England, on December 13 following a successful BTF deployment.

The deployment involved a series of training missions with other US Air Force assets in the region and multiple countries, including Finland, Sweden, Lithuania, Italy, Norway, the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic and Morocco, Air Force Global Strike Command said in a statement.

The deployment marked a historic milestone as the B-52s executed the first-ever simulated live weapon drop in Finland, showcasing enhanced interoperability with a new NATO ally.

In the Middle East, BTF missions have focused on strengthening partnerships through close air support training and integration exercises. These efforts have included collaborations with the Saudi and Kuwaiti air forces, whose fighters have escorted US bombers during regional operations.

Al-Udeid air base in Qatar has also hosted US bombers in the past, including in 2018 and 2019.

US BTFs continue to work with the air forces of partner nations around the world to develop joint operational capabilities to promote global peace and security.