The United States Pacific Air Force has released new photos showing a B-2 Spirit bomber flying alongside Japanese Air Self-Defense Force fighter jets and conducting aerial operations for the first time in history. This mission integrates bombers into operations with American allies and partners, demonstrating the capability of the U.S. military to operate bombers anywhere in the world.
On Wednesday, the Pacific Air Force announced that a B-2 Spirit bomber from the 110th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron took off for the first time from the Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley in Australia, where it rendezvoused with Japanese Air Self-Defense Force F-35A Lightning II fighter jets. This event is part of ongoing bomber task force operations in the Indo-Pacific region.
During the mission, B-2 and F-35 fighter pilots conducted integration and aerial refueling operations. The U.S. Pacific Air Force shared photos of the B-2 and F-35A formations flying together on Wednesday.
The B-2 bomber typically operates from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri and has been on bomber task force missions for the past three weeks. However, the Pacific Air Force emphasized the significance of the joint flight with Japanese F-35 fighters on Wednesday.
“The opportunity to integrate our B-2 Spirit bomber crews with Japan Air Self-Defense Force fifth-generation F-35s is an important milestone in our bilateral integration efforts,” said Lt. Col. Justin Meyer, commander of the 110th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, in a press release. “The advanced capabilities of these aircraft, combined with the strategic power of the B-2, enhance our collective readiness and interoperability. This cooperation not only strengthens our defense posture but also underscores our commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region.”
Bomber task force operations are a priority for the U.S. Air Force as they showcase American military capabilities and integrate bombers like the B-2 stealth bomber, supersonic B-1 Lancer bomber, and B-52 bomber into missions with U.S. allies and partners.
The Pacific Air Force press release stated that such bomber missions demonstrate the credibility of the U.S. military in addressing complex and uncertain security environments. These actions highlight the commitment of the United States to training with allies and partners, aiming to build interoperability and enhance collective capabilities to support a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The B-2 Spirit bomber is a strategic bomber with powerful firepower and stealth capabilities that sets it apart from most other U.S. bombers, aside from the new B-21 Raider bomber. Its effective payload capacity and ability to conduct long-range penetrating strike missions make it a significant deterrent to adversaries of the United States.
One day after releasing photos of the B-2 flying with the F-35, the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command shared a photo of a B-2 conducting hot-pit refueling on Guam. Hot-pit refueling involves refueling the aircraft while the engines are still running, allowing the aircraft to take off immediately again.
The Indo-Pacific Command stated that Air Force bomber missions continue to contribute to the lethality and deterrence of Joint Forces in the Indo-Pacific region by demonstrating the ability of the U.S. Air Force to operate anywhere in the world in support of defense strategies.
The B-2 first saw combat during the Kosovo War in 1999 and has since operated in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other conflict zones. The B-2 also frequently conducts flights in Europe and the Indo-Pacific region.