Italienska Eurofighter-jetplan och amerikanska B-52-bombare övar precisionsangrepp i Litauen

Italian EF2000 Eurofighter fighters and US B-52 Stratofortress strategic bombers conducted joint precision air strike exercises over Lithuania.

Here's What We Know

The operation, organised with the participation of Lithuanian Special Operations Forces and the Joint Forward Air Controllers (JTAC) of the Army, involved the use of laser-guided bombs from an altitude of almost 6 km at the Brigadier General Kazis Veverskis training range.

The manoeuvres were part of Exercise Vanguard Merlin, a tactical programme organised by the US rotational forces in Europe.

The Lithuanian 603rd Air Operations Centre and US bomber crews were tasked with practising precision air strikes against ground targets and protecting allied forces in the context of a simulated large-scale conflict.

Lieutenant Colonel Inga Voorhees, a Lithuanian-born officer serving in the US Air Force, was responsible for operational coordination during the exercise.

"This cooperation underscores the strength of NATO's interoperability and our ability to act in a coherent manner in the interests of collective security," the Lithuanian Armed Forces said.

The deployment of US B-52 bombers to Europe is part of NATO's regular practice to demonstrate its commitment to the defence of its allies and to deter potential threats.

For the Lithuanian JTAC, the manoeuvres were an opportunity to improve their skills in working with NATO's advanced technologies and contribute to the Alliance's missions.

"Exercising together with our partners not only enhances our capabilities, but also guarantees the strength of NATO's collective security," said a Lithuanian Armed Forces spokesperson.

Source: Defence Industry Europe