The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has released a video showing B-1B Lancer strategic bombers operating over the Middle East as part of Operation Epic Fury, the ongoing US-Israel military campaign against Iran.The footage, shared by CENTCOM on social media, shows the long-range bombers flying missions over the region as Washington continues aerial operations targeting Iranian military infrastructure and strategic assets.
Operation Epic Fury began in late February when US and Israeli forces launched coordinated strikes across Iran, in a campaign that also resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Since then, American air and naval assets have been deployed across the region as tensions in the Gulf continue to escalate.Sharing the clip, CENTCOM wrote on X: “B-1B Lancers – capable of carrying a payload of 75,000 pounds – have operated over the Middle East in support of Operation Epic Fury. Nicknamed the BONE, B-1Bs hold world records for speed, payload and range.”
What makes the B-1B Lancer significant
The B-1B Lancer, nicknamed the “Bone”, is a long-range, multi-mission supersonic bomber that has been part of the United States Air Force fleet since 1985.Originally designed as a nuclear-capable strategic bomber, the aircraft was converted to an exclusively conventional strike role in the mid-1990s. Today, it is one of the most powerful platforms for delivering large volumes of precision-guided conventional weapons.The US Air Force plans to sustain the aircraft to operate through 2040 and beyond, allowing it to continue supporting high-tempo global strike missions.
Key features of the B-1B Lancer
- The aircraft can carry up to 75,000 pounds (about 34,000 kg) of weapons, making it one of the largest conventional payload carriers in the US arsenal.
- The bomber can reach speeds of around Mach 1.2, enabling it to rapidly penetrate contested airspace and strike distant targets.
- Its distinctive swing-wing design allows the aircraft to adjust wing positions for different flight conditions, enabling both high-speed penetration and efficient long-range cruising.
- The B-1B can conduct intercontinental missions and remain airborne for extended periods with
aerial refuelling . - Unlike nuclear-capable bombers such as the B-2 Spirit, the B-1B today primarily carries conventional precision weapons, including JDAMs, cruise missiles and other guided munitions.
- The bomber has been widely deployed in conflicts including Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria, where its heavy payload and endurance allowed it to provide sustained close air support and long-range strike missions.
