U.S. B-52 Stratofortresses touch down at RAF Fairford for Cobra Warrior 25-2

Two U.S. B-52H Stratofortress bombers, from the 307th Bomb Wing based at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, arrived at RAF Fairford on 12 September 2025 to participate in Exercise Cobra Warrior 25-2, a major multinational training event led by the Royal Air Force.

The deployment underlines allied commitment to maintaining readiness in high-end warfighting scenarios. The exercise, held bi-annually since 2019, centres on operating in contested, degraded and limited environments, with emphasis on integration of aircrews, support units and coalition partners.

Strategic Reach and Interoperability

According to Lt. Col. Kenny Squires, deployed commander of the 307th Bomb Wing, the mission is focused on enhancing interoperability with NATO and allied forces through complex, multi-domain operations. “We’re here to train like we fight,” he said. “Operating in a coalition environment away from home station builds readiness that underpins global deterrence.” 

While in the UK, the B-52 crews will undertake demanding training scenarios across England, working alongside RAF units and forces from multiple allied nations. These will include joint mission planning, tactical coordination, and integration within Composite Air Operations (COMAO) environments.

Aircraft Details & Participation

The two aircraft, callsigns SCALP 93 and SCALP 94, arrived from Barksdale on the morning of 12 September. One of the aircraft – tail number 61-0029 – remains part of the USAF’s nuclear-capable fleet, while the other – 61-0014 – has had nuclear-weapons-related equipment removed in line with the New START treaty.

This marks the second deployment of the 307th Bomb Wing to Cobra Warrior since 2019. The exercise also serves as the culminating event for several UK Qualified Weapons Instructor courses.

Wider Significance

Cobra Warrior 25-2 showcases the growing emphasis on realistic, coalition-based training in the face of evolving threats. The participation of heavy bombers such as the B-52 adds both strategic reach and high-end strike capabilities to the allied force mix.

For RAF Fairford and its surrounding region, the arrival represents another instance of international military cooperation, with implications for local logistics, air traffic and security coordination.