Two B-52s will simulate a naval strike mission off the coast of Eastern Sweden as part of the NATO-led multinational exercise BALTOPS next month, reported Radio Sweden. “The main objective is to increase the different operative capabilities, but also to send clear security political signals that we do these things together,” Swedish military representative to NATO, Maj. Gen. Karl Engelbrektson said, in the May 20 report. “How Russia interprets that, they can decide for themselves,” he added. The B-52s will support a scenario defending the Swedish coastline from an amphibious invasion force near a small coastal town on the Baltic Sea, according to the press. Several B-52s flew a similar non-stop, long-range strike sortie from Barksdale AFB, La., to participate in Exercise Eager Lion in Jordan last week.
The Air Force could conduct an operation like Israel's successful air campaign against Iran's nuclear sites, military leadership and air defenses, but readiness issues would make it risky, airpower experts said. Limited spare parts and training, low mission capable rates and few flying hours would put a drag on USAF's…