Two American "global strike" supersonic bombers have touched down in England. The U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancers arrived at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on Tuesday as part of the Bomber Task Force Europe 2023-3 operation.
The arrival of the aircraft - which are nicknamed 'Bones' - has excited planespotters. Online comments have included "The Bones are back in the Cotswolds," and "I've actually lost track of when they were last here."
The Bomber Task Force iteration will include four B-1B strategic bombers, with the remaining two bombers are scheduled to arrive at RAF Fairford on Thursday afternoon. The U.S. Air Force explain: "Two of the Texas-based supersonic bombers from Dyess Air Force Base’s 7th Bomb Wing entered the theater today by first integrating with Allies and Partners conducting NATO’s Air Policing and Air Shielding missions throughout the Baltic Sea region.
"The Baltic Sea serves as a critical economic corridor, and consistent coalition surveillance of the international air and maritime space preserves safe and secure passage for all. The highly agile aircraft’s 12-hour mission from North America to Europe demonstrates the U.S. Air Force’s rapid ability to deploy anywhere, anytime, and provide lethal precision and global strike options U.S. and Allied commanders.
"Bomber Task Force rotations support U.S. National Defense Strategy objectives through “strategic predictability” and “operational unpredictability,” and the steady rotation of strategic bombers into the European theater enables interoperability and enhances operational readiness."
