Global Thunder

Global Thunder is an annual U.S. nuclear strategic command and control exercise meant to create realistic training activities against simulated opposition, with the goal to improve and maintain nuclear readiness and strategic deterrent capabilities.[1] This training involves increased bomber flights, missileer training, and SSBN readiness, verifying reliability and resilience of the nuclear triad.[1]

History

Global Thunder has been held annually since the first documented GT training exercise in 2014, GT 15. The exercises commonly start around the end of October to the beginning of November and last for approximately 10 days.

Global Thunder 15

GT 15 lasted for an 11-day period from October 17–28, 2014.[2]

Participants

Global Thunder 16

B-2 Spirit bomber making its flight over the Whiteman Air Force Base

GT 16's military training exercise started on the November 2, 2015.[3]

Participants

Global Thunder 17

B-52H Stratofortress takes off from Minot Air Force Base for Global Thunder 17 training exercise on October 30, 2016.

GT 17 started on October 24, 2016, and concluded on October 31, lasting approximately 8 days.[4]

Global Thunder 18

GT 18 ended on November 7, 2017.[2]

Global Thunder 26

GT 26 began on October 21, 2025.[5][6]

References

  1. 1 2 "U.S. Strategic Command commences annual nuclear readiness exercise—Global Thunder 22". U.S. Strategic Command. Retrieved March 28, 2022.
  2. 1 2 "Global Thunder". www.globalsecurity.org. Retrieved April 17, 2022.
  3. ↑ "Air Force Global Strike Command". Air Force. US Air Force. Retrieved May 8, 2022.Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  4. ↑ "Exercise Global Thunder 17 Concludes". U.S. Strategic Command Public Affairs. November 2, 2016. Retrieved May 8, 2022. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  5. ↑ Greet, Kai (October 21, 2025). "STRATCOM Kicks Off Global Thunder 26 Nuclear Command & Control Exercise". The Aviationist. Retrieved October 21, 2025.
  6. ↑ "U.S. Strategic Command opens exercise Global Thunder 26". United States Strategic Command. 2025. Retrieved October 21, 2025.
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