US adds two B-1B Lancer heavy bomber jets at Aero India

The B-1B Lancer is capable of carrying out missions worldwide from its bases in the United States, as well as from forward deployed locations

US Air Force's B-1B Lancer Bomber jets arrive to take part in the Aero India 2023 on its 2nd day, at Yelahanka Air base in Bengaluru. Credit: PTI Photo

The United States Air Force (USAF) on Tuesday added to its Aero India 2023 lineup by flying in two B-1B Lancers from their temporary duty location at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.

The long-range, supersonic heavy bomber which is dubbed Bone (for “B-one”) carries the largest conventional payload of both guided and unguided weapons in the USAF.

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The B-1B’s first India turn came on February 3, 2021, for a fly-by on the inaugural day of Aero India 2021, escorted by the IAF’s Tejas. Its return to India’s premier air show underscores the importance the US places on its strategic ties with India, an official statement said.

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Apart from the B-1s, the US lineup at the biennial air show includes the USAF’s newest fifth-generation fighters – the stealthy, supersonic, multirole F-35A Lightning II and F-35A Joint Strike Fighter. An F-16 Fighting Falcon duo has been conducting daily aerial demonstrations, while the US Navy F/A-18E and F/A-18F Super Hornet multirole fighters are on static display.