Two B-1 bombers from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, have deployed to Singapore for joint exercises. The pair of Lancers arrived at Paya Lebar Air Base on the island nation on Jan. 18 and is scheduled to lead aerial refueling exercises with the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)’s A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport.
“While we can’t go into details on potential dates for training requirements at this time due to operational security, we continue to fly bomber missions in the Indo-Pacific region and demonstrate the credibility of our forces to address diverse security environments.” a Pacific Air Force spokesperson told Air & Space Forces Magazine.
In a release, PACAF highlighted the significance of integrating with the RSAF, citing “valuable professional exchanges and training opportunities with different aircraft and aircrews.”
While PACAF did not characterize the bombers’ deployment as a Bomber Task Force, the B-1s also engaged in separate training with four F-15 Eagles from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force over the Sea of Japan on Jan. 18.
Photos posted on PACAF’s social media page showcased the supersonic bombers flying alongside Japanese fighters. The purpose of these exercises is “to enhance deterrence and response capabilities and tactical skills of U.S.-Japan alliance,” according to PACAF.
“We continue to fly bomber missions in the Indo-Pacific region and demonstrate the credibility of our forces to address diverse security environments,” the spokesperson added. “These training opportunities support national security objectives through the speed, flexibility, and readiness of our strategic bombers.”
In a parallel initiative, U.S. Air Force F-35 fighters conducted joint training with multiple JASDF aircraft on Jan. 17 and 19 over the waters off Japan’s southern island Okinawa region.
The two-day exercise saw 27 F-15s, an E-767, two E-2C Hawkeyes, and two KC-46A Pegasus tankers from Japan joined by approximately 10 American F-35s. The training took place to enhance the bilateral response capabilities and tactical skills, according to a release from the JASDF.
“We continue to fly bomber, cargo, tanker, and fighter missions in the Indo-Pacific to demonstrate the effectiveness of our forces to bring security to a diverse and uncertain security environment,” the PACAF spokesperson added.