In the first mission of such kind in the country’s military aviation, a total of four Ukrainian fighter jets Mikoyan MiG-29 and Sukhoi Su-27 accompanied the United States strategic bombers Rockwell B-1 Lancer during the latter’s flight across the Ukrainian airspace early on May 29.
According to Ukraine’s military, the two American bombers of the 28th Bomb Wing took off from the U.S. Ellsworth Air Force base in South Dakota, crossed the Atlantic and moved across Europe and the Black Sea region.
Apart from Ukrainian fighters, the B-1 Lancers also interoperated with Greek, Polish, and Romanian fighters, as well as with British, American, and Turkish Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft, which refueled them in their non-stop, long-range mission between North America and Europe.
A pair of US Air Force B-1B Lancer strategic bombers cross the Ukrainian airspace accompanied by Ukrainian jet fighters as part of a planned air patrol event to achieve interoperability between NATO and key Allied partners on May 29, 2020.
Earlier this month, the American bomber task force was reported to have completed a similar mission over Sweden for the first time, escorted by British, Swedish, and Norwegian fighters.
“Long-range bomber training missions strengthen our steadfast partnerships with allies across both Europe and Africa and showcase our ability to respond globally from anywhere,” U.S Air Force in Europe and Africa commander General Jeffrey Harrigian commented on the operation.
According to General Tod D. Wolters of the U.S. European Command, such missions are also meant to demonstrate the American resolve to react to any potential crisis around the globe particularly to NATO’s newest member, North Macedonia.
“The integration and interoperability with our NATO Allies during these missions, be it aerial tanker support or fighter escorts, are indelible actions that show the Alliance is as strong as I’ve ever witnessed,” the commander was quoted as saying by the U.S. Air Force.
Rockwell B-1 Lancer supersonic, long-range bombers are in service in the U.S. since 1986.
More commonly nicknamed “Bone”, they are one of three types of strategic nuclear bombers operated by the U.S. Strategic Air Command (SAM), with other being iconic B-2 Spirit and B-52 Stratofortress.
They are capable of delivering conventional weapons at the maximum speed of 1,335 kilometers per hour and within the operational range of 9,400 kilometers.
Over 100 such bombers have been built since the 1970s, and they are expected to stay in active service until at least 2036.
