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Hungarian and Swedish Gripens integrate with United States B-1B Lancer Bombers over Latvia

NATO Allied Air Command

Aug 19 2025

RAMSTEIN, Germany -- In a demonstration of Allied air power and interoperability, Hungarian and Swedish Air Force JAS‑39 Gripens joined the U.S. Air Force's B‑1B Lancer bombers for a fly past over Riga.

On 19 August, 2025, two Hungarian JAS-39 Gripens, currently deployed on NATO's Air Policing mission at Šiauliai Air Base in Lithuania, flew in formation with Swedish Gripens and two U.S. Air Force's B‑1B Lancer bombers over Riga, Latvia. The formation flight flew low level over Latvia's Monument of Freedom highlighting the seamless integration of the diverse and highly sophisticated platforms.

"The security of the Baltic States and NATO's Eastern flank is the cornerstone of the security of the entire Euro-Atlantic region," said Latvian Minister of Defence, Andris Sprūds. "Such U.S. and Allied flyover manoeuvres clearly demonstrate NATO's presence in the region, transatlantic unity, and commitment to collectively strengthen the security of the Baltic State region," he added.

The Hungarian Air Force assumed Baltic Air Policing responsibilities at the beginning of August, marking its fourth such rotation. The joint flyover highlights scalable force posture across the eastern flank of the Alliance.

The U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer aircraft deployed from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, and arrived at Ørland Air Base, Norway, on 9 August, 2025, as part of the latest Bomber Task Force Europe. The deployment enables Allied aircrews to refine tactics, increase flexibility and strengthen coordination by exercising and operating together, further increasing warfighting capabilities and readiness.

While in theatre, the bomber aircrews will train on key elements of the find, fix, track and target process - honing the speed and accuracy with which bombers and fighters are able to act against threats in real time.

Bomber Task Force Europe is part of a regular series of deployments that strengthen Allied readiness, deepen integration, and demonstrate credible, combat-ready airpower in support of the collective defence of the homeland and the Euro-Atlantic region.

Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office