To bolster military cooperation, the United States Air Force (USAF) deployed two B-1B Lancer bombers to Ghana for a bilateral exercise preceding the much-anticipated Flintlock 2024. This deployment marks a milestone in the USAF’s commitment to supporting international military exercises and enhancing strategic partnerships.
On April 19, 2024, the B-1B Lancers, known for their impressive payload capacity and supersonic speed, took off from Morón Air Force Base in Spain and made their way to Ghana. Accompanying them was a KC-135R Stratotanker, ensuring aerial refueling capabilities for the long-haul flight.
The arrival of the bombers coincided with the conclusion of a rigorous three-day Air-to-Ground Integration training conducted by the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and the United States Armed Forces at Bundase’s Battle Training Camp. This training was the first of its kind, setting the stage for future collaborative efforts.
Flintlock 2024, scheduled to be the largest African partner-led and U.S. & international enabled Special Operations Forces exercise on the continent, is drawing considerable attention. The exercise aims to strengthen the operational capabilities of participating nations and foster mutual understanding among allied forces.
Exercise Flintlock 24 will be hosted in Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire who also served as last year’s hosts. The exercise will conduct four training outstations in Ghana and one outstation on Cote d’Ivoire. The outstations will showcase a diverse set of tactical skills aimed at bolstering interoperability and relationships to counter security threats on the continent.
“Flintlock’s a mechanism that opens doors for all international SOF allies and partners to come together, to train together, to live together, to learn from each other,” said U.S. Army Maj. Adam DeMarco, SOCAFRICA Flintlock 24 lead planner, “And it really builds enduring and sustainable partnerships that will last the test of time, whether it’s in Flintlock or in real world operations. We have five out of seven continents represented here at Exercise Flintlock and that partnership is only growing.”
Civil affairs will also play a crucial element in the exercise with Medical and Dental Civic Action programs occurring throughout each host country. Operated by partner forces in coordination with U.S. joint services, MEDCAPs and DENTCAPs serve as temporary field clinics to provide limited medical treatment to the local population.
“Flintlock to us is an opportunity to test the combat readiness of our SOF community, which includes planning for logistics acquisition, respect for the rule of law and now equally and importantly the promotion of human security,” said Col. George Dottey, Ghana Army chief of training. “Flintlock is making it possible for us in the subregion to maintain contact, exchange ideas, share information and therefore it helps to improve on the security of the continent.”
Flintlock’s objective is to strengthen the ability of key partner nations in the region to counter violent extremist organizations, collaborate across borders, and provide security for the population. Comprised of a high representation from African partners and NATO allies, the collective participation illustrates a shared commitment to target activity from malign threats throughout the Sahel and northwest Africa. Leveraging the partnerships forged at Flintlock aims to enhance security efforts throughout the continent.
Flintlock intends to strengthen the ability of key partner nations in the region to counter violent extremist organizations, collaborate across borders, and provide security for their people, while respecting human rights and building trust with civilian populations. The robust participation of African and international partners reflects a mutual commitment to countering malign activity and violent extremism throughout the Sahel and West Africa region.
During the air-to-ground integration exercise, GAF members demonstrated their proficiency in close air support operations. Utilizing radios, they effectively communicated with the B-1B Lancer crews, executing a nine-line brief—a critical component of coordinating air support in combat scenarios.
The combined training event also saw participation from U.S. Special Operations Command Africa (SOCAF), the U.K.’s 1st Battalion Ranger Regiment, and GAF soldiers. This collaboration underscores the deepening defense relationships under the U.S. Africa Command, which are built on the principles of equality and mutual respect.
As Flintlock 24 approaches, the presence of the USAF B-1B Lancers in Ghana not only showcases the strategic mobility and readiness of U.S. forces but also reaffirms the United States’ dedication to opposing aggression and upholding sovereignty alongside its African partners.
The exercise represents a concerted effort to promote security and stability in the region, reflecting the enduring partnership between the U.S. and its African allies.
Typically, US exercises in the continent sees the deployment of US strategic bombers to African host nations. Last year, a United States air force B-53H stratofortress strategic bomber flew over over the Volta Region in Ghana in support of international military exercise flintlock 2023. The United States air force deployed its signature B-52H Stratofortress strategic bomber over Ghana to support the international military exercise Flintlock 2023.
In 2022, two United States Air Force B-1B Lancer aircraft from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, carried out a Bomber Task Force mission to Morocco and Mauritania on 30 June in support of Exercise African Lion 2022 and counter-illicit maritime efforts.
Likewise in 2021, F-35B Lightnings from 617 Squadron, currently embarked aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth, joined American and French aircraft over Djibouti in East Africa. Two US Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers from the 9th Bomb Wing, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, flew a Bomber Task Force mission alongside two French Mirages, as well as two UK and two US F-35s from UK Carrier Strike Group’s HMS Queen Elizabeth over Camp Lemonnier, Dijbouti, on 11 November.