Bengaluru: America’s supersonic heavy bombers B-1B Lancers today joined an array of the country’s fighter planes participating in the Aero India show, reflecting the importance the US gives to the growing strategic partnership with India.
Two B-1B Lancers arrived here from their temporary duty location at Andersen Air Base, Guam, expanding the line of the United States Air Force (USAF) for the annual air show, according to a statement issued by the US Consulate in Chennai.
In addition to the B-1s, the U.S. lineup includes the U.S. Air Force’s newest fifth-generation fighters – the stealthy, supersonic, multirole F-35A Lightning II and F-35A Joint Strike Fighter.
Throughout the week, an F-16 Fighting Falcon duo is conducting daily aerial demonstrations, showcasing the capability of one of the USAF’s leading fighter jets.
The U.S. Navy F/A-18E and F/A-18F Super Hornet multirole fighters are on static display at Yelahanka Air Force Base in Bengaluru where the air show is being held from February 13.
The B-1B Lancer, a supersonic heavy bomber, is a truly remarkable aircraft, capable of carrying out missions worldwide from its bases in the United States, as well as from forward deployed locations, the statement said.
It carries the largest conventional payload of both guided and unguided weapons in the U.S. Air Force and is considered the backbone of America’s long-range bomber force.
The arrival of the B-1B marks its return to India as it made its presence felt earlier for the first time during the Aero India 2021. At that time, it had conducted a fly-by on the inaugural day of air show, escorted by an Indian Air Force Tejas fighter.
“Commonly called the “Bone” (for “B-one”), the return of the long-range, supersonic, heavy bomber to India to participate in Aero India 2023 underscores the importance the United States places on the growing strategic partnership with India,” the statement said.
Major General Julian C. Cheater, Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force, International Affairs, said, “The B-1 offers flexible options to senior leaders and combatant commanders. Greater integration with our Allies and partners throughout the region is a positive step towards greater interoperability.”
Rear Admiral Michael Baker, Senior Defense Official and Defense Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, said, “We are happy to have the B1 in India for the second time. These bombers made the journey from South Dakota to Guam and then to India just to add another exciting dimension to Aero India ‘23.
“It’s a long mission to travel from the continental U.S. to the Indian Ocean; but it was worth it to be part of the biggest air show in the region hosted by our Major Defense Partner, India.
“The U.S. and India continue to deepen Defense cooperation. We have two great militaries that are even better when we work together.”
The array of U.S. aircraft already participating in Aero India 2023 shows U.S. support for Aero India 2023 and the strength of the U.S.-India partnership.
