Middle East – On March 6, 2026, U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 34th and 37th Bomb Squadrons prepared and deployed B-1B Lancer jets in support of Operation Epic Fury.

The B-1B Lancer is the fastest bomber in the U.S. inventory, reaching top speeds of about Mach 1.25 (over 900 mph) at high altitude. It can fly low and fast—down to 200 feet above the ground at near-Mach 1—to evade radar and air defenses, a capability originally designed for Cold War nuclear penetration missions into Soviet airspace.

Officials confirmed the deployment is part of ongoing operations under Operation Epic Fury, demonstrating the Air Force’s ability to project rapid, high-intensity power in the region.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download