US deploys first-ever B-1B Lancer supersonic strategic bombers in India for exercises

The US Air Force's B-1B Lancer supersonic strategic bombers took part in the first-ever joint exercise with the Indian Air Force. The two aircraft departed for Asia from Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota.

Here's What We Know

The participation of the B-1B Lancer in the Cope India exercise has been confirmed by General Kenneth S. Wilsbach of the Pacific Air Force. Fourth generation F-15E Strike Eagle fighters along with C-17 Globemaster III and C-130J Super Hercules military transport aircraft are also taking part in the exercise.

Note that the B-1B bombers first visited India in 2021. They flew as part of the Aero India airshow, which takes place every two years. The 2023 event too was not without supersonic strategic jets.

Cope India is a joint exercise between the US Air Force and the Indian Air Force. It first took place in 2004, after which the event was also held in 2005, 2006, 2009 and 2018. Since then, the US has sent F-15, F-16, C-130J, C-130H and C-17 aircraft to India.

The first phase of Cope India 23 began on April 10 with a focus on air mobility. The exercise involved C-17s from the 15th Wing, which is stationed at Hickam-Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and C-130Js from the 374th Wing from Yokota Base, Japan.

The second phase of the exercise took place on 13 April. This time B-1B Lancer and F-15E Strike Eagle of the 4th Fighter Wing from Seymour Johnson, North Carolina, were involved. From India, Su-30, Rafale, Jaguar and Tejas participated.

Exercise Cope India 23 is scheduled to end on April 24, 2023. The US Air Force is yet to release any photos from the event. The photos above were taken during the B-1B's February visit to India.

Source: Air & Space Forces Magazine