Home  /  Newsroom  /  2021  /  UK welcomes U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancers for scheduled European air operations

RAMSTEIN, Germany – U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancers from the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Dyess Air Forces Base, Texas were escorted by UK fighters as they arrived at RAF Fairford on 6 October for a long planned Bomber Task Force (BTF) deployment.

The BTF missions allow U.S. Air Force personnel and aircraft from different squadrons to integrate with a number of NATO and Partner Air Forces enhancing interoperability and readiness. Allied and Partner fighter jets regularly fly with U.S. bomber crews during their European training to hone mission planning skills, rehearse in-flight communications and strengthen multinational relationships between aviation specialists.

By integrating with allies and partners for the fourth time this year, the U.S Air Force is underlining its commitment to shared values and reinforcing the Atlantic bond

"BTF missions exemplify the reach of Alliance aircraft and the collective ability to project airpower across theatres," said General Jeff Harrigian, Commander Allied Air Command. "By integrating with allies and partners for the fourth time this year, the U.S Air Force is underlining its commitment to shared values and reinforcing the Atlantic bond."

A B-1B Lancer assigned to the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron lands at RAF Fairford, United Kingdom, Oct. 6, 2021. The B-1 is a multi-role, strategic bomber and carries the largest payload of both guided and unguided conventional weapons in the U.S. Air Force's inventory. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Colin Hollowell)

USEUCOM has been conducting BTF missions since 2018 and the multinational integration during these training deployments ensures Allies are constantly ready to operate together. BTF deployments have consisted of rotations of B-1B Lancers, B-52 Stratofortresses, and, most recently, B-2 Spirits.