U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer aircraft deployed from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, and arrived at Ørland Air Base, Norway, on 9 August 2025 to begin Ally-led training operations as part of the latest Bomber Task Force Europe.
The deployment empowers U.S. Air Force aircrews to refine tactics, increase flexibility and strengthen coordination with Allies by exercising and operating together, increasing warfighting capabilities and readiness.
While in theatre, the bomber aircrews will conduct a series of Ally-led training missions in complex, high-threat airspace. Crews will train on key elements of the find, fix, track and target process – honing the speed and accuracy with which bombers and fighters can act against threats in real time.
“This deployment allows us to train the way we fight, integrated with our NATO Allies, ready and adaptive,” said Lt. Col. Eric Alvarez, 345th Bomb Squadron deployed commander. “It’s about building experience and trust together, enhancing readiness, and staying sharp in dynamic environments.”
A defence source speaking on condition of anonymity told this outlet the broader purpose of such missions is clear. “It’s about demonstrating that the United States can project heavy bomber capability deep into Europe. The message is deterrence, making sure Moscow understands that NATO can strike hard and fast if necessary.”
This is the fifth Bomber Task Force Europe deployment in 2025 and reflects the U.S. Air Force’s continued commitment to maintaining a ready and capable forward presence across the region.
Carrying the largest conventional payload of both guided and unguided weapons in the Air Force inventory, the B-1B Lancer is a multi-mission aircraft designed to deliver precision and non-precision strikes against targets anywhere in the world. Its blended wing/body configuration, variable-geometry wings and afterburning turbofan engines give it long range, manoeuvrability and high speed, enhancing survivability and allowing it to integrate seamlessly in mixed strike packages.
The aircraft’s advanced radar systems and Global Positioning System-aided Inertial Navigation System allow it to navigate without ground-based aids and strike moving or fixed targets with high precision. Link-16 data links and cockpit upgrades have improved situational awareness and enabled rapid targeting in fast-moving operational environments.
Self-protection is provided by the ALQ-161 electronic countermeasures suite, radar warning receivers, expendable countermeasures and a towed decoy system, all of which complement its low radar cross-section to enhance survivability. Planned radar and electronic upgrades will ensure the platform remains viable in future contested battlespaces.
Bomber Task Force missions, such as the current deployment to Norway, are overseen by Air Force Global Strike Command and are designed to assure Allies, deter adversaries and demonstrate the U.S. ability to deliver safe, secure and lethal conventional strike capabilities in support of NATO and wider U.S. national defence objectives.
Along with the Avro Vulcan, probably two of the best looking bombers ever to grace our skies.
Fully agree. My brother was a navigator on Vulcans at the start of his career, had some scary stories though.
While living in Swansea, I was fortunate enough to watch the air show most years. Seeing the Vulcan take to the skies in 2015 was truly the highlight — I’ll never forget that.
I guess “Living in Swansea” was the Low !!!!
“There’s lovely see”
look, I don’t want no twuble. 😁
Swansea is actually a great place – the second best place I’ve lived. Paderborn comes in first thanks to @Harem’s 👀
#Dear UKDJ HQ,
Could you please initiate AGAI proceedings against Halwit, as this ongoing online bullying has gone too far. He is now also being racial towards Swansea Jacks.
Sincerely,
JJ
Ha.
Funny fing iz, alot of my comments seem to be blocked as Spam lately.
Maybe AI has no humour mode.
You have to thank the RAF for making Paderborn so nice !
Harems looks like a nice place too ! 👀😁
When Britain ruled the skies…I watched a memorable Vulcan display at St Mawgan many years ago. They set it to music over the Tannoy. It was a aerial ballet
Don’t ask me the date but at one Mildenhall Airshow, the Vulcan took off with all the usual drama and a group of US Air Force guys watched with amazement and hooped and hollered as the beast climbed away. The noise was like nothing before or since, and I felt so proud. Like the UK car industry, the country’s aero business was destroyed from within, and a large part of that was down to Duncan Sands and his daft missile instead of aircraft policy.
Personally I would like to see the UK and other European NATO members with equivelant aircraft and weapons preferably better.
I must also say that missiles are a necessary part of modern warfare and I can’t see that changing.
Are these warplanes going to fight on Ukraine?
There is no other Russians aggression in Europe.
Paulo all warplanes in Europe are there to deter Russia which has been aggessive with many of it’s neighbours since the cold war. NATO countries train on a regular basis. Individual countries decide if it will permit sales of kit to any country which obviously includes Ukraine.
Good to hear under the circumstances
And
While on the subject of circumstances, I would also prepare for Guerilla Warfare at home in the way of sleeper cells.
With rumours of Automatics have flooded the Penines, From Bolton to Bradford from what I hear.
We should have a Guerilla warfare debate or page or both. Even if it does upset some people or should I say most people.
@PauloV. If I understand, you make a valid point. These bombers are Trump posturing; a limp gesture of acknowledgement to European post war ideals as he sits down with Putin to carve up Ukraine.