A B-52H Stratofortress leads a formation of F-15C Eagles, F-15E Strike Eagles and F-16. Credit: USAF / Master Sgt. Matthew Plew.

The airforces of the UK, the US and the Netherlands have participated in the Exercise Point Blank 20-04 over the North Sea.

Over 50 aircraft joined the exercise, including US Air Force (USAF) F-15s and KC-135s, Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) F-16s and F-35As, British Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoons, and USAF Global Strike Command B-52s.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

Point Blank is conducted quarterly in the UK by the USAF and RAF. It is aimed to boost the combat readiness and tactical proficiency of the US, the UK and other Nato forces.

The multilateral exercise will help personnel hone the skills to deter potential foes and enhance interoperability.

The fourth and fifth-generation Defensive Counter Air integration focused exercise also saw the participation of the US Marine Corps (USMC) and RAF’s F-35Bs.

RAF Officer Commanding 617 Squadron commander Mark Sparrow RN said: “This has been a fantastic first step in 617 Squadron operations with the USMC’s VMFA 211 Squadron, as we prepare to embark on HMS Queen Elizabeth as a team.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“The exercise provided excellent integration training for the F35B s with our US, Dutch and the Typhoon Force colleagues.

“This integration is key to Lightning operations and Exercise Point Blank is the first of the many important steps needed to create a fully integrated Carrier Strike Group ready to deploy next year operationally for the first-time on board HMS Queen Elizabeth.”

In March last year, personnel from the US and UK airforces participated in the latest iteration of exercise Point Blank in Yorkshire, UK.