![US bombers in the air]()
The aircraft will fly at 3,000 feet over Stockholm from 12:40 to 13:00, then proceed to pass over Arlanda and Uppsala Garrison.
Photo: Swedish Armed Forces
On Wednesday, 6 March, the Swedish Armed Forces will conduct a joint exercise with the US Bomber Task Force. The aircraft, a B-1B Lancer and a B-52 Stratofortress escorted by Swedish Jas 39 Gripen, will pass over significant parts of Swedish airspace and, weather permitting, be visible over central Stockholm and Uppsala, among other areas. The expected passage over the cities is around lunchtime.
Sweden is leading the exercise within its territorial boundaries. This exercise has been planned for a long time and is a bilateral effort between Sweden and the USA. After passing through Swedish airspace, the aircraft will join the NATO exercise Nordic Response, which is part of NATO's Steadfast Defender series.
It is not uncommon for Sweden to engage in joint exercises with other nations on or above Swedish territory and has been a regular occurrence for some time. Sweden has, for several years, consistently exercised with other nations within the framework of various cooperation agreements. This exercise is an example of how the Swedish Armed Forces, together with partners, safeguards Swedish airspace.
The purpose of the exercise is to practice the defence of Sweden and the ability to operate jointly with other nations, in this case, the US. The Swedish Armed Forces has progressively increased and developed the collaborative capabilities by exercising the entire chain, from communication to escort and live ammunition drops.
The aircraft will fly over Stockholm at 3,000 feet (approximately 900 meters) – Aviici Arena and Central Bridge – sometime between 12:40 and 13:00, before proceeding to pass over Arlanda and Uppsala Garrison. The timeframes are preliminary and subject to change on short notice.