A group of US Air Force B-1B Lancers participated in an exercise with Swedish Air Force Gripen fighters as they flew to Ørland Air Station for their first-ever stationing in Norway.
Three Lancers from the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, arrived in Norway on February 22, for a long planned training mission that will see the aircraft conduct theater and flight training across Europe.
This is the first time US bombers will be operating out of Norway.
While details on training events that the bombers will attend are scarce, it is certain that the aircraft will be operating in the high north and improve interoperability with allies and partners across the European theater.
“I’m looking forward to showcasing our ability to operate out of this new location and get after the mission in fresh environments,” said Gen. Jeff Harrigian, US Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa commander. “Training with allies like Norway enables us to hone our deterrence and defense capabilities while also enhancing regional stability.”
Popularly referred to as “Bones”, the B-1B strategic bombers continue achieving firsts even as the US Air Force is actively working on retiring 17 airframes this year. Of the 100 bombers acquired in 1980s, 59 Lancers remain in service. This number will come down to 43 by the end of the year.
