US sends B-52s to train in Europe, despite skepticism

(Baonghean.vn) - The US Air Force is deploying long-range B-52 bombers and 800 troops to the UK to support joint exercises with NATO allies and partners taking place in Europe this June.

The B-52 Stratofortress strategic bombers will participate in a series of joint exercises, mainly near Russia, specifically the Baltic Sea, the Arctic and along Russia’s borders with several NATO partners. The B-52 is one of the oldest combat aircraft in the US Air Force, first entering service in the 1950s during the height of the Cold War.

B-52 Stratofortress strategic bomber. Photo: AFP

The deployment comes as the US military may be seeking to reassure its European allies amid doubts about President Donald Trump's vision for Washington's global role and foreign policy aspirations.

In a statement, the US Air Force stated: "Training with allies and joint partners improves coordination between allies and allows the US Air Force to build the enduring relationships needed to address a range of global challenges."

Although President Trump declared his European trip last month “a great success for America,” some allied leaders questioned America’s future leadership on the “international stage,” following the NATO summit in Brussels, where the US leader failed to accept the alliance’s core security commitments./.

Lan Ha

(According to CNN)