Two bombers of the United States Air Force (USAF), on 14 February, arrived at Aero India 2023 in Bengaluru, journeying to India from their temporary duty location at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.
The B-1B Lancer, a supersonic heavy bomber, is capable of carrying out missions worldwide from bases in the US and other locations. Regarded as the backbone of America’s long-range bomber force, it carries the largest conventional payload of both guided and unguided weapons in the USAF.
The B-1B was in India for the first time on February 3, 2021, conducting a fly-by on the inaugural day of Aero India as it was escorted by the Tejas fighter of the Indian Air Force. The bomber’s return to India for Aero India 2023 underscores the importance the US places on the growing strategic partnership with India.
The array of US aircraft participating in Aero India 2023 shows the strength of the US-India partnership. In addition to the B-1s, the line-up includes the US 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. The US Navy’s F/A-18E and F/A-18F Super Hornet multirole fighters are on static display at Yelahanka Air Force Base in Bengaluru.
