B-1B Lancer bombers deployed to Japan’s Misawa AB proceed workout routines with regional companions, whereas the B-52 Stratofortresses deployed to Spain’s Morón AB returned to Barksdale AFB.
The U.S. Air Drive introduced on Nov. 24, 2025 the conclusion of its two-week BTF (Bomber Job Drive) Europe deployment to Spain’s Morón Air Base, designated BTF Europe 26-1, that began on Nov. 8. Through the interval, the bombers participated in a spread of “complicated, high-end coaching situations with Allies and companions throughout the U.S. European Command, U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Central Command areas of duty.”
Three B-52s from the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, participated within the deployment, and a minimum of one was tracked on-line in the course of the return to continental U.S. on the afternoon of Nov. 24, with the callsign BARB 13. The bombers had been additionally noticed whereas transiting the Atlantic earlier this month en path to Morón AB, with the callsigns CAGER 11, 12, and 13.
The B-52 is over Pennsylvania getting back from Moron AB in Spain. pic.twitter.com/6z7BVpsKRP
— Aviation and Naval Belongings (@AirAssets) November 24, 2025
On the similar time, the BTF deployment within the Indo-Pacific at Japan’s Misawa Air Base, comprising 4 B-1Bs from the seventh Bomb Wing’s (seventh BW) ninth Bomb Squadron (ninth BS) out of Dyess AFB, Texas, are persevering with to participate in workout routines with Allies within the area.
The INDOPACOM (Indo-Pacific Command) launched on Nov. 25 photos of a single B-1B, supported by two KC-135s, flying over Diego Garcia within the southern Indian Ocean. The deployment happened on Nov. 12, as per particulars on DVIDS.
KC-135 Stratotankers from @KadenaAirBase refuel a B-1B Lancer with @PACAF throughout a bomber activity power mission. These @usairforce operations improve long-range functionality and reinforce stability throughout the Indo-Pacific.
📍 #IndianOcean
📸 SSgt Oldaker pic.twitter.com/j1mRAsWh2a
— U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (@INDOPACOM) November 25, 2025
Two of the BONE bombers additionally carried out a bilateral train with two JASDF (Japan Air Self-Protection Drive) F-2s (Japanese multirole fighter primarily based upon the F-16), and two USAF F-35A Lightning IIs. PACAF (Pacific Air Forces) highlighted on Nov. 18 the emphasis on “readiness and teamwork.”
BTF Europe
In Europe, the B-52 bombers skilled operations in anti-access space denial environments with air forces from Finland, Lithuania and Sweden. The situations additionally concerned simulations of weapons employment by way of discover, repair, monitor and goal (F2T2) course of, “finding and putting threats in real-time” whereas working underneath a restrictive enemy A2/AD umbrella.
A number of refueling operations validated the flexibility to “regenerate in unfamiliar or austere places, enhancing their operational attain and responsiveness,” the Air Drive’s press launch mentioned. Coordinating with a NATO-operated E-3 (AWACS) “emphasised the significance of Allied integration and joint execution of complicated tactical processes.”
🇺🇸 B-52 bombers have arrived in 🇪🇸 for #BomberTaskForce 26-1.Working from Morón Air Base, they’ll practice with 🇫🇮🇱🇹🇸🇪 & different Allies, bolstering NATO’s Jap Flank and Excessive North defence.
🔗 Learn extra: pic.twitter.com/HCBmvCofRs
— NATO Air Command (@NATO_AIRCOM) November 11, 2025
Within the USCENTCOM (Central Command) space of duty, B-52s participated within the biennial multinational joint drill Train Ferocious Falcon 6 in Qatar, in addition to a flyover on the Dubai Air Present.
One other drill that the B-52s took half in was throughout the AFRICOM (Africa Command) AOR. The USAF deployed its JTAC (Joint Terminal Assault Controllers) groups from Vicenza, Italy (additionally dwelling of the U.S. Military’s 173rd Airborne Brigade), to Atar, Mauritania, for ground-to-air coaching with Mauritanian Air Drive personnel.
“[This honed] their potential to speak time-sensitive data with the B-52 aircrew flying overhead [the USAF] enhanced interoperability and strengthened relationships with companions in Africa,” the press launch added.
PIOUS 97 (B-52/Bomber Job Drive (BTF) Europe 26-1) flying formation with a 🇫🇮 F/A-18 Hornet. The B-52 carried out simulated weapons drops on targets designated by Finnish JTACs within the Sotinpuro firing vary. pic.twitter.com/7KIbxeLWwp
— Thenewarea51 (@thenewarea51) November 12, 2025
BTF Indo-Pacific
Through the course of the BTF deployment to Japan, the INDOPACOM (Indo-Pacific Command) additionally launched photos on Nov. 25, displaying a B-1B assigned to the PACAF connecting with one amongst two KC-135 Stratotankers that Kadena AB’s 909th Air Refueling Squadron deployed over the Indian Ocean. The presence of the 2 KC-135s displays the refueling wants for the long-leg deployment that can’t be met by a single tanker.
Further data on DVIDS mentioned the situation was the southern Indian Ocean’s Diego Garcia Naval Help Facility. It’s not clear if the B-1B landed on the base, however the bombers have already operated from that location throughout operations in Afghanistan.
In regards to the drill with the JASDF, the PACAF mentioned: “Our continued coaching strengthens Japan–U.S. Alliance, boosts deterrence, and helps a free and open Indo-Pacific.” The BTF started on Apr. 15, 2025, adopted by one other group of 4 B-1Bs from Dyess departing the U.S. for Misawa on Oct. 16. This implies the ninth BW has been rotating its B-1Bs throughout the Indo-Pacific BTF deployment by sustaining a steady presence within the strategically delicate area.
At Misawa AB, the B-1B Lancers and their assist, operations and munitions Airmen additionally carried out the primary weapons load drill on the Japanese base. Whereas weapons load workout routines are frequent throughout the service, “the occasion marked the first-ever B-1 munitions load in mainland Japan throughout a BTF, underscoring complete power integration and enhanced regional readiness,” Dyess AFB mentioned on Nov. 21.
Whereas loading GBU-54 precision weapons into the B-1B Lancer, “Airmen carried out munitions preparation, inspected munition parts, carried out a weapon bay inspection.” Dyess AFB itself carried out a separate large-scale munitions load train referred to as Demise Strike 25-03 on Sep. 22, which concerned the seventh Munitions Squadron and the twenty eighth Bomber Technology Squadron.
The quarterly coaching occasion “checks fast technology, motion and loading procedures required for wartime contingency operations.” The seventh MUNS and the twenty eighth BGS loaded DATM-158As (floor coaching variations of the AGM-158A JASSM) onto the CRL (Standard Rotary Launcher) contained in the B-1B’s inside weapons bay.
Previous to the munitions load drill at Misawa AB, a single B-1 from that base exercised with Indian Air Drive Su-30MKIs and Mirage 2000s from Nov. 10 to 13 throughout Cope India 2025.
