The B-2 Spirit nuclear bomber flew a training strike mission, flying critically close to the North Pole on the way from Iceland to Alaska

The US Air Force recently deployed three B-2 Spirit nuclear bombers to Iceland. One of the aircraft returned to the US for the Red Flag-Alaska 23-3 exercise.

Here's What We Know

The exercise began on 14 August and will conclude on 25 August. The purpose of the exercise is to enhance international cooperation and combat readiness through intensive and realistic air combat training. Red Flag Alaska is an evolution of the Red Flag exercise that has been conducted for decades at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.

The site of RF-A 23-3 is Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and U.S. Air Force Base Eielson. The exercise involves 2,000 U.S. troops and 80 aircraft.

The B-2 Spirit was photographed while flying over the Alaska Range. During its journey, the nuclear bomber with the call sign CRAG11 flew above the Arctic Circle critically close to the North Pole.

The U.S. Air Force has not yet specified the role of the B-2 Spirit in Exercise RF-A 23-3.

Source: The War Zone, DVIDS