United States deploys four B-1 Bombers to Europe as part of Large-Scale exercise 24.

The United States has positioned a total of four strategic bombers in Europe following the arrival of two additional B-1B Lancers at Morón Air Base in Spain on March 26, 2024, completing the deployment of Bomber Task Force 24-2. These aircraft, assigned to the 7th Bomb Wing from Dyess Air Force Base in Texas, traversed the Barents Sea to enter the United States European Command's area of operations, conducting their mission in international airspace in full compliance with international law.
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A B-1B Lancer takes off, April 10, 2016, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas (Picture source: US DoD)

During their transit through the Barents Sea, the B-1s were intercepted by a Russian MiG-31 Foxhound. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that a MiG-31, part of the air defense forces on alert, was scrambled to identify an aerial target and prevent any violation of the Russian Federation's state border. The Russian crew identified the aerial targets as a pair of US Air Force B-1B strategic bombers. As the Russian fighter approached, the American bombers adjusted their flight path, moving away and then turning away from the Russian Federation's state border. The Russian aircraft safely returned to its airfield without any reported violation of the Russian Federation's state border.

This interception on March 26 was the second encounter between B-1s and Russian MiG-31s in three days: on March 24, 2024, during their deployment flight from Dyess Air Force Base in Texas to Morón Air Base in Spain, the first two B-1s from the 7th Bomb Wing flew over Norway and then in international airspace over the Barents Sea where they were intercepted by a Russian MiG-31 Foxhound.

General James Hecker, commander of US Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa and NATO Allied Air Command, emphasized the importance of the United States' capability to operate in the Arctic and to strategically position bombers in Europe to assure regional security and stability. He stated that the global security environment demands a proactive approach, and the United States will continue to meet this challenge through strategic planning and innovative operations.

The BTF 24-2 mission is part of Large-Scale Global Exercise 2024 (LSGE), which includes nearly 30 distinct exercises and military activities under several combatant commands. This setup allows US armed forces to train with allies and partners to enhance mutual understanding, trust, and interoperability in addressing global security challenges.

In the coming weeks, as is customary for all Bomber Task Force deployments, the B-1s stationed at Morón will undertake a series of missions across Europe and beyond, integrating with allies and partners during the deployment. While the precise destinations of these missions are yet to be determined, it is anticipated that the B-1s may conduct long-range missions in the Mediterranean Sea, possibly extending to the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East, as well as Eastern Europe and once again towards the Arctic.

The B-1 Bomber, also known as the B-1 Lancer, is a pivotal part of the United States Air Force's long-range strategic bomber fleet. Originally developed in the 1970s by Rockwell International (now part of Boeing), the B-1 was designed for nuclear capabilities but was later converted to solely conventional munitions due to strategic arms reduction treaties. Known for its variable-sweep wing design, which allows it to operate at high speeds and low altitudes, the B-1B variant is capable of carrying a large payload of guided and unguided weapons. The bomber has been extensively used in combat operations since the 1990s, including in the Middle East and the Balkans, demonstrating its versatility and critical role in projecting air power and supporting ground forces with precision strikes. Despite its age, ongoing upgrades have kept the B-1B relevant in modern warfare, emphasizing its blend of speed, range, and payload capacity.

Defense News April 2024