High alert fighter aircraft from five Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) nations scrambled to intercept a simulated hostile air patrol in a demonstration of allied air power and mutual defence.
Two US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bombers were intercepted and escorted during a routine flight between the UK and USA as part of the bi-annual multi-national air defence activity known as Global Guardian.
Global Guardian showcases the readiness and reach of western allies on both sides of the Atlantic to defend North American as well as European airspace on NATO’s North Atlantic flank.
On Monday 17 March, during the latest iteration of Global Guardian, Quick Response Alert (QRA) fast jets from the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland all took part.
For its success, Global Guardian requires close collaboration by national air forces and allied commands, including NATO’s Combined Air Operations Centre in Uedem, Germany.
The high alert fighter aircraft were coordinated by ground-based air defence networks including those in the UK and Iceland. Working together, they seamlessly tracked the bomber force along its flightpath. When it left European airspace, the flight was then tracked and intercepted by US and Canadian forces in North America.
The JEF HQ in the UK also plays its part, helping JEF nations to send a strong message that discourages malign activities and reassures home audiences.
JEF spokesperson Group Captain Jonathan Eastlake said:
“Global Guardian exemplifies the strength and unity of the JEF and our close collaboration with allies, by rehearsing our NATO responsibilities to safeguard the air space of both northern Europe and North America from a distance. Our integration with strategic capabilities such as B-52s, allows us to enhance our operational readiness and coordination with every iteration of Global Guardian.”
Following its inauguration in February 2024, Exercise Global Guardian has become a regular fixture, involving nations from the JEF, USA and Canada, and NATO Air Command. Global Guardian contributes to both the defence of Europe and North America, and supports the US principle of Global Integrated Layered Defence (GILD).
