Three US B-52 strategic nuclear bombers have landed at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, UK, with the latest arrival on Thursday, according to reports from local aviation enthusiasts and monitoring sites.

The US Air Force announced this deployment as part of a Bomber Task Force mission aimed at reinforcing NATO cooperation and showcasing commitment to global security.

The latest arrival, a B-52H bomber with the callsign ROPE32, reportedly landed at around 2:30 pm local time. The two previous aircraft, known as FLUX11 and FLUX12, arrived on Tuesday. Local media also suggests that a fourth B-52 is expected to land in the coming days, and one of the planes already stationed at RAF Fairford reportedly engaged in exercises with the Finnish Air Force en route.

The deployment is part of a “long-planned” Bomber Task Force-Europe mission announced by US Air Forces in Europe. The US strategic bombers will train alongside NATO Allies and partners across Europe for several weeks. These exercises, which often involve joint drills with other allied forces, are intended to enhance NATO’s readiness and display the US’s commitment to international stability.

The B-52, a long-range, nuclear-capable bomber first introduced in 1952, remains a critical part of the US’s nuclear deterrent strategy. Its presence in Europe underscores heightened US readiness amid increased global tensions.

This recent arrival marks the second deployment of US B-52s to the UK this year, with a previous visit occurring in June. (ILKHA)