The nuclear-capable B-52 bombers deployed by the USAF to Morón, Spain

Morón de la Frontera Air Base in Seville, Spain, once again hosts United States Air Force (USAF) bombers.

A report that shows how a Boeing B-52 Stratofortress strategic bomber works
Fighters from Spain and other allied countries escort B-52 bombers over Europe

This Tuesday, B-52H strategic bombers arrived at that Spanish base from Minot AFB, North Dakota. The U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA) announced the arrival of these aircraft that same day at 5:47 p.m. CET. The B-52Hs can carry up to 32 tons of bombs, mines and conventional missiles as nuclear weapons (B61 of 300 kilotons and B83 of 1,200 kilotons), in two underwing racks and an internal bay.

USAFE-AFAFRICA stated: "This BTF [Bomber Task Force] deployment demonstrates Agile Combat Employment across Europe & Africa—projecting combat-ready airpower that is fast, flexible & forward".

NATO’s Allied Air Command (AIRCOM) released a statement today on the arrival of the U.S. bombers in Spain, noting: "The deployment is aimed at enhancing transatlantic security through integrated training and rapid deployment capabilities. The deployment enables U.S. forces to test Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concepts, alongside Allied aircraft, operating from strategically dispersed locations across Europe, thereby reinforcing operational flexibility and responsiveness."

"This BTF deployment is a clear demonstration of peace through airpower", said Lt. Gen. Jason T. Hinds, USAFE-AFAFRICA Deputy Commander, in a statement released by AIRCOM. "Our forces remain resilient, dynamic, and capable of responding to evolving security challenges with speed and precision", he added.

AIRCOM also noted: "This mission underscores the enduring commitment of the U.S. to NATO and transatlantic security. It showcases the Alliance’s ability to rapidly deploy combat-ready Airpower across diverse operational environments, strengthening collective deterrence and defence." A message that reaffirms the US commitment to NATO in the face of threats from Russia, despite the Trump administration's shift in its role vis-à-vis Russia and Europe.

AIRCOM has highlighted that "Bomber Task Force operations in Europe continue to reinforce NATO’s core principles of interoperability, collective defence and regional stability. These deployments signify how NATO’s integrated air forces remain prepared to operate together in defence of Allied territory and sovereignty." Allied Air Command has also noted that "BTF was last deployed to Spain in the Spring of 2024. By training with Allies in multinational settings, BTF enhances tactical coordination, enabling realistic, complex scenarios that bolster the Alliance’s deterrence posture and readiness."

Curiously, both in the aforementioned official statements from USAFE-AFAFRICA and AIRCOM and in the publication of the photos you see here by the USAF on DVIDShub.net, the multimedia portal of the United States Armed Forces, the number of bombers deployed has not been indicated at any time.

However, the BTF typically takes two bombers on a deployment. In fact, the published photos show two B-52Hs: 60-0044 (cn 464409) and 60-0004 (cn 464369), with radio callsigns THICK41 and THICK42, according to @AvistamientosA. These aircraft are attached to the 23rd Bomb Squadron of the 5th Bomb Wing, based at Minot AFB.

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Photos: U.S. Air Force / USAFE-AFAFRICA / NATO Air Command.