Two B-52H Stratofortress strategic bombers arrived in the UK from Barksdale AFB on Sept. 12 ahead of Exercise Cobra Warrior 25-2, which kicks off next week.
Using the callsigns SCALP 93 and SCALP 94, the first of the two B-52s, 61-0029, arrived in British skies at around 0730 UTC and touched down at RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire just after 0800 UTC. The second aircraft, 61-0014, followed a little later on, landing at around 0930 UTC.
Of the two aircraft, only 61-0029 is in the U.S. Air Force’s nuclear-capable fleet – 61-0014 being one of the airframes which had all nuclear weapons related equipment removed to comply with the New START treaty. Nuclear capable and conventional only B-52s can be distinguished by the different positioning of two antenna fins located towards the rear of the fuselage. Last year it was reported that, due to the expiry of New START, Congress would push for all B-52s to be returned to full nuclear capability.
0450z SCALP 93 x1 USAF B-52/H Stratofortress
Approx 1 hour behind company (#B52) #SCALP94
Departed from Barksdale AFB #KBAD Destination RAF Fairford #EGVA for Exercise Cobra Warrior 25-2.
Oceanic clearance with Gander Radio#SCALP93 Tail : 61-0014#SCALP94 Tail : 61-0029 https://t.co/PGTBU92iuT pic.twitter.com/UK8aWUb5Gp
— Andy (@Andyyyyrrrr) September 12, 2025
The two bombers arrived in Europe at a particularly tumultuous time, although their deployment has been expected by local enthusiasts for some months. As early as May, the participation of two B-52s in Exercise Cobra Warrior 25-2 was confirmed by the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), though back then we could only speculate whether this would involve a full deployment or simply consist of long-range missions undertaken directly from the United States.
Both aircraft are being operated by the 307th Bomb Wing, based at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana. The 307th previously took part in Exercise Cobra Warrior in 2019. “The B-52 brings strategic reach and long-range strike capabilities to the fight. Exercises like Cobra Warrior 2025 ensure we keep a sharp edge,” said the unit’s deployed commander, Lt. Col. Kenny Squires. “For our team, it’s a chance to operate in a high-tempo, coalition environment away from home station and build readiness that underpins global deterrence. It also ensures our allies have exposure to heavy bomber integration and capabilities that they may not see regularly so that both of us are prepared for tomorrow’s challenges.”
Squires added: “The primary objective of our mission during Cobra Warrior 2025 is to enhance interoperability with our NATO and allied partners while executing complex, multi-domain operations. We’re here to train like we fight — in joint, coalition environments — so we can respond effectively to any threat, anywhere in the world.”
Exercise Cobra Warrior is a large multinational exercise hosted by the Royal Air Force which draws participants from across NATO. The RAF describes it as a high intensity warfighting scenario. Primarily focused on air power, the exercise does incorporate some ground forces which are supported by tactical fighter aircraft, transports, and helicopters. This year the exercise will involve aircraft from four nations in addition to the UK.
The U.S. Air Force will participate with the B-52s, as well as F-15E Strike Eagles, F-16C Fighting Falcons, F-35A Lightning IIs, CV-22B Ospreys, MC-130J Commando IIs, and KC-135 Stratotankers. Canada will fly CF-188A Hornet (F/A-18C Hornet) fighter aircraft from 425 Squadron and CC-130J Hercules transport/refueling aircraft from 435 Squadron.
The 9th Fighter Squadron of the Italian Air Force will participate with Eurofighter Typhoons, supported by a G550 CAEW from 71st Squadron. Finally, Typhoons from the German Air Force will deploy from 74 Tactical Air Wing. Civilian contractors Draken, Top Aces, and GFD will also support the exercise.
B-52 Markings
The first B-52 to arrive carried the markings of the 93rd Bomb Squadron. 93rd BS is an Air Force Reserve Command squadron under the umbrella of the 307th BW. Together with the 11th BS, the unit is designated as a fleet-wide B-52 Formal Training Unit, with instructors responsible for providing both initial and follow-on training for B-52 crew members across the entire U.S. Air Force. Notably, the 93rd BS deployed to RAF Fairford in 2003 and took part in combat missions to Iraq as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. While the jet carries a squadron’s markings, personnel from across the 307th are likely to operate the aircraft for this exercise. Personnel from the frontline Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) parented 2nd BW may also be involved with the deployment.
B-52 SCALP93 arriving at RAF Fairford this morning. OT tail. Video at link: https://t.co/IVeRwdTDjr More Pics later. pic.twitter.com/8gziYrEkhJ
— Saint1 (@Saint1Mil) September 12, 2025
Interestingly, the other aircraft carries markings for the 49th Test and Evaluation Squadron (TES), along with an OT ‘Operational Test’ tail code. It is unclear whether this aircraft was deployed for a specific reason – perhaps outfitted with a specific new capability or piece of equipment which is due to be trialled during the exercise – or if it was simply chosen due to its availability. It is reportedly the first time a B-52 carrying an OT tail code has visited the UK, though the airframe itself has visited previously while wearing different markings.
The 49th TES is based alongside other B-52 units at Barksdale, but rather than being parented by either the 2nd BW or 307th BW the squadron falls under the supervision of the 53rd Wing, headquartered at Eglin Air Force Base, and is part of the U.S. Air Force Air Combat Command (ACC). The 53rd Wing is a specialist operational test and evaluation (OT&E) unit supporting sub-units that fly everything from B-52 Stratofortresses and B-2 Spirits through to F-35 Lightning IIs, F-22 Raptors, and MQ-9 Reapers.
