Aviation News – B-2 Spirit and Norwegian F-35s Join Forces in Precision Strike Trial
The U.S. Air Force partnered with the Royal Norwegian Air Force on September 3 to test advanced precision maritime strike capabilities in the Norwegian Sea, showcasing the integration of cutting-edge weapons and allied cooperation in a real-world environment.
The exercise featured a U.S. B-2 Spirit stealth bomber from the Air Force’s 53rd Wing, which carried out a strike using the Air Force Research Laboratory’s QUICKSINK maritime weapon. Norwegian F-35s and personnel provided support, with Norway granting critical infrastructure and airspace access, enabling the test in strategically important and challenging conditions.
The B-2 employed precision-guided QUICKSINK munitions to sink a surface vessel, demonstrating both the weapon’s effectiveness and the bomber’s enduring strengths in stealth, range, and payload flexibility. The mission also validated new tactics for long-range sensor-to-shooter operations, including beyond-line-of-sight communications and multi-domain targeting, designed for use in highly contested environments.
“This test is a clear example of how we work with trusted allies to bring new capabilities into play faster and smarter,” said Col. Scott Gunn, commander of the 53rd Wing. “We’re not just preparing for tomorrow; we’re shaping it together.”
The evaluation advanced the development of both large and small QUICKSINK variants, giving commanders more operational flexibility in maritime operations. By refining prototypes in a real-world setting, the U.S. and Norway strengthened interoperability and readiness for distributed and resilient strike capabilities.
The event underscored the Air Force’s commitment to accelerating innovation through allied partnerships. By combining U.S. stealth strike platforms with Norway’s fifth-generation fighters and regional expertise, the test marked a significant step toward integrated, agile combat power in the North Atlantic and beyond.
Photo USAF
