US deploys B-1B Lancer heavy bomber to strike bases in Middle East.

On November 5, 2023, the United States deployed a B-1B bomber, no doubt in response to the growing number of attacks on its military bases in the region. Syrian and Iraqi militants allegedly carried out the attacks. A few days after this announcement, U.S. Central Command published on November 9, 2023, that the U.S. had carried out a series of air strikes against the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Follow Air Recognition on Google News at this link

USAF B-1B heavy bomber in the Middle East (Picture source: US Center Command Twitter Account)

Following the deployment of a B-1B bomber, U.S. Central Command communicated, "Following a series of attacks against U.S. persons in Iraq and Syria, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces conducted an airstrike against a facility in Syria used by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran (IRGC) and affiliated groups. We will take all necessary measures to defend our people against those responsible for these attacks and respond when and where we choose.

For now, there is nothing to link the deployment of the bomber to the series of air attacks. However, the two events have the same objective: to deter any escalation of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, and to make it clear that the U.S. will not abandon its citizens or bases in the Middle East.

The Rockwell B-1 Lancer is a strategic bomber that first entered service in 1986 but made its maiden flight in 1974. A total of 100 units have been built since then, but only 45 are still in active service today.

It is powered by 4 General Electric F101-GE 102 turbojet engines delivering a unit thrust of 136.92 kN. The aircraft has a wingspan of 23.84 m to 41.67 m, a length of 41.81 m and a height of 10.69 m. The US bomber can reach speeds of Mach 1.25, i.e. from 1205 to 1329 km/h. The B-1 can reach altitudes of up to 18,200 m, and has a long range.

The United States is stepping up its presence in the Middle East with the deployment of two aircraft carriers, one in the Mediterranean and the other in the Red Sea. The United States seems to be doing everything in its power to solidify its position and dissuade any attempt to escalate the conflict between Hamas and Israel. However, it remains to be seen whether this will have the desired effect on the pro-Iranian militias.