The United States has deployed B-1B Lancer bombers and personnel from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas to Misawa Air Base, Japan, marking the first Bomber Task Force (BTF) mission to the country, according to a U.S. Air Force news update published on 15 April 2025.
The deployment involves the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron and aims to support Pacific Air Forces’ regional training efforts alongside Allies, partners, and joint forces in the Indo-Pacific.
It is part of the United States’ broader strategic focus on deterrence and regional stability, the U.S. Air Force said.
In the statement, Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Travelstead, director of operations for the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, described the deployment as a demonstration of readiness and commitment:
“BTF 25-2 showcases the U.S. commitment to deterring threats and maintaining regional stability… Our B-1 crews are highly trained and ready to respond anytime, anywhere, to defend U.S. interests and support our allies.”
Bomber Task Force deployments are designed to familiarise U.S. aircrew with operations across various Geographic Combatant Commands, with this mission specifically highlighting the U.S. presence and engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. The U.S. Air Force noted that these operations reinforce its ability to respond “quickly and decisively” to emerging challenges.
The update also mentioned the joint commitment of the National Diet of Japan and the U.S. Government to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, underpinned by deterrence, training, and interoperability with regional partners.
The B-1
The Rockwell B-1B Lancer is a supersonic variable-sweep wing heavy bomber used by the United States Air Force. Originally developed in the 1970s as a nuclear-capable strategic bomber, the B-1B was later adapted for conventional missions and now forms a key component of the U.S. long-range strike force.
Unlike its stealthier counterpart, the B-2 Spirit, the B-1B relies on speed, payload, and low-level penetration capabilities to deliver a wide array of precision and unguided munitions across global theatres. It has a maximum speed of Mach 1.25 and a combat radius of over 5,000 miles with aerial refuelling.
The B-1B is capable of carrying the largest conventional payload of any aircraft in the U.S. inventory, with a capacity of up to 75,000 pounds of ordnance. Its internal weapons bays and external hardpoints can accommodate Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM), Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSM), and other advanced precision weapons.
The bomber has been extensively used in recent decades for strategic strikes in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, and beyond. While no longer part of the U.S. nuclear triad, the B-1B remains a versatile platform for rapid global power projection and continues to undergo modernisation to extend its operational relevance into the 2030s.
I earn 4 million pounds a year blah blah blah…
Seriously, this looks like another example of the US military just getting on with things whilst the orange fruitcake and his disciples are doing their weird stuff.
Thank goodness that even under a lunatic, the US military appear to be able to operate professionally.
i agree.
and serious UKDJ, how hard is it to get rid of this spam? surely there is something? add a captcha perhaps? its really killing the site…
Continues the completely deranged opinion about orange man because he stopped the euro gold diggers…
Did you hear him criticising South Korea, Japan?
Yes. I there anyone he hasn’t criticised? Oh yeah, Russia.
I think Guam is the usual destination for USAF Bombers and recce types.