US B-2 bombers fly alongside Japanese F-35 fighters for first time

The fighter jets flew together in the Indo-Pacific region as part of a Bomber Task Force mission, in which the bombers will operate with US allies and partners and demonstrate the ability to operate bombers anywhere in the world, Business Insider reported on September 12.

The US Pacific Air Forces have released images of B-2s and F-35As flying in formation. This is the first time a B-2 stealth bomber has flown alongside F-35s of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF).

US B-2 bomber flies among Japanese F-35 fighters

The B-2 took off from the Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley. When encountering Japanese fighters, the pilots conducted coordination operations and refueled in the air.

“The opportunity to integrate our B-2 Spirit pilots with the JASDF’s fifth-generation aircraft is a significant milestone for bilateral integration operations,” said Lt. Col. Justin Meyer, US Air Force Chief of Staff.

Over the past three weeks, B-2 Spirits have been participating in the U.S. Air Force Bomber Task Force mission, which prioritizes assessing the capabilities and integration of bombers — such as the B-2 Spirit, B-1 Lancers and B-52 Stratofortresses — for joint missions with allies.

What weapons does Japan want with its record defense budget proposal?

The B-2 Spirit strategic bomber has a powerful firepower and stealth capabilities that make it stand out from most other US bombers. According to the US Air Force, this bomber, which costs more than $1.1 billion, has intercontinental capabilities, and its 18-ton payload allows it to carry a variety of weapons.

The B-2 first saw combat in Kosovo in 1999 and has since appeared in numerous conflict zones.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/may-bay-nem-bom-b-2-my-lan-dau-sat-canh-tiem-kich-f-35-nhat-ban-185240914082326402.htm