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U.S. B-1Bs Arrive in Norway for Fifth Bomber Task Force Europe Rotation of 2025

The mission sharpens find-fix-track-target tactics with NATO partners at Norway’s main F-35 base as high operational tempo strains the aging B-1 fleet.

U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancers enroute through the Arctic were escorted by Spanish Air Force EF-18M Hornets from Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, in support of NATO’s Air Policing mission, Aug. 9, 2025. (Courtesy photo)
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Overview

  • Three B-1B Lancers of the 345th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron landed at Ørland Air Station, Norway, on August 9 to kick off Bomber Task Force Europe 25-4B operations.
  • During the rotation, aircrews will practice high-threat find-fix-track-target missions in integrated drills with Norwegian F-35 fighters.
  • Spanish Air and Space Force EF-18M Hornets from Keflavik Air Base escorted the bombers through the Arctic under NATO’s air policing mission.
  • The Norway deployment is the fifth Bomber Task Force Europe rotation of 2025, underscoring an elevated bomber presence in response to growing combatant-commander demand.
  • Senior Air Force leaders have cautioned that the high operational tempo is straining the aging B-1 fleet and have not ruled out retrieving aircraft from storage to sustain capabilities.