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The Aviano Air Base was employed for NATO’s first air wars, those in Bosnia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in the 1990s. The F-35 is capable of delivering B61-12 nuclear bombs. (See videos below.)
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U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa
November 15, 2022
Exercise Falcon Strike 2022 – an Italian Air Force training exercise which focuses on fifth and fourth-generation integration between NATO Allies operating the advanced F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter – kicked off today, continuing through Nov. 28, at Italy’s Amendola Air Base.
U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa has routinely supported the annual exercise, which, for the first time, will incorporate the 48th Fighter Wing’s F-35 aircraft from the 495th “Valkyries” Fighter Squadron, the first organically available fifth-generation assets within U.S. European Command’s area of responsibility. RAF Lakenheath continually supports training and operations across the theater since their F-35s initial arrival in December 2021.
Aviano Air Base’s 31st Fighter Wing will also support the exercise from the 555th “Triple Nickel” Fighter Squadron flying the F-16 Fighting Falcon, which will support fourth-generation fighter air warfare training.
“Falcon Strike 2022 provides our Airmen and Allies critical opportunities to train how we fight – together,” said Gen. James Hecker, USAFE-AFAFRICA commander. “Any opportunity to train and operate as a coalition force strengthens the Alliance as we face more dynamic threats in highly contested environments.” [Hecker is also top commander of NATO’s Allied Air Command.]
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During Falcon Strike, Hecker will also host the F-35 European Air Chiefs Meeting, which brings together fifth-generation Allies to discuss F-35 interoperability, opportunities, and challenges in a dynamic theater.
Terrible: USAF drop B61-12 missile using B-2 Bomber & F-35 Is Literally Earth Shattering
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