Two US Air Force B-1B Lancer aircraft have landed at RAF Fairford (Picture: US Air Force/ Staff Sergeant Eugene Oliver).
Two US Air Force B-1B Lancer aircraft have landed at RAF Fairford (Picture: US Air Force/ Staff Sergeant Eugene Oliver).
Aircraft

US Air Force's B-1B Lancers arrive in UK for Bomber Task Force Europe

Two US Air Force B-1B Lancer aircraft have landed at RAF Fairford (Picture: US Air Force/ Staff Sergeant Eugene Oliver).
Two US Air Force B-1B Lancer aircraft have landed at RAF Fairford (Picture: US Air Force/ Staff Sergeant Eugene Oliver).

Supersonic bomber aircraft from the United States Air Force have landed in the UK to take part in Bomber Task Force Europe 2023.

Two American B-1B Lancer aircraft, from Dyess Air Force Base's 7th Bomb Wing, arrived at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.

The Texas bombers are integrating with allies and partners conducting Nato's Air Policing and Air Shielding missions throughout the Baltic Sea region and will be conducting a long-planned bomber rotation in support of US European Command and Nato deterrence initiatives.

The USAF's B-1B aircraft cost an estimated $317m (£275m) each and can travel at 900mph.

Allied Air Command said: "Nato's trans-Atlantic capabilities enhance the robust collective defence posture of the alliance.

"Nato is engaged, postured, and ready with credible forces to assure, deter and defend every inch of Nato territory in an increasingly complex security environment.

"The ability to forward posture strategic bombers within the European theatre enables critical touchpoints with Nato allies and partners to advance the ability to operate as a cohesive force."

This Bomber Task Force iteration will include four B-1B strategic bombers, with two more due to arrive at RAF Fairford on Thursday.

Two more B-1B Lancers are scheduled to arrive in England on 25 May (Picture: Royal Air Force/ MOD).
Two more B-1B Lancers were scheduled to arrive in England on Thursday (Picture: Royal Air Force/ MOD).

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