While pundits have noted the US returning to its traditional deterrence methods, its bomber routes now include countries previously seen as neutral, such as Sweden, which are increasingly drawn into cooperation with the Western military bloc.
US military activity is now being rolled out more rapidly than the Russians', with US bombers and warplanes increasingly frequently cruising higher latitudes, the Norwegian broadcaster NRK reported, suggesting that the US is “tightening its grip over the High North”.
According to the broadcaster, US bombers used to be rare guests in Norwegian airspace, but this is rapidly changing. Sweden, which declared itself neutral over a hundred years ago, is experiencing the same.
“Recently we saw US bombers cruising over Sweden and Norway. The fact that the modern strategic bomber B-1B Lancer is flying over previously neutral Sweden is brand new. We have not seen that before,” military adviser Per Erik Solli at Northern University in Bodø told NRK.
The flight in question took place about a month ago. Two US B-1 supersonic bombers based in Ellsworth, South Dakota flew over Sweden accompanied by Swedish jets. After a refuelling, they continued over Norway and were flanked by Norwegian F-35 fighter jets over Trøndelag County.
Since 20 May, several other US bombers, including B-52s and B-2s appeared near Norway, accompanied by US tankers and often Norwegian fighter jets.
“The exercises strengthen the partnership with our allies, and…
