The B-1 Lancer is one of the most lethal aircraft to ever fly the skies.
A pair of American B-1 bombers flew in formation alongside allied aircraft over the Monument of Freedom in Riga, Latvia, this week, showcasing NATO’s aerial might. In addition to the strategic bombers, four JAS 39 Gripen jets took part in the flyover as part of a bomber task force mission with the 345th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron. As Russia continues to launch barrages toward Ukraine amidst its ongoing invasion, NATO’s ability to demonstrate that it can collaboratively fly anywhere, anytime is significant. “The security of the Baltic States and NATO’s Eastern flank is the cornerstone of the security of the entire Euro-Atlantic region,” Latvian minister of defense Andris Sprūds said. “Such U.S. and Allied flyover maneuvers clearly demonstrate NATO’s presence in the region, transatlantic unity, and commitment to collectively strengthen the security of the Baltic State region.”
The B-1
The Rockwell B-1 Lancer represents a critical player in the US Air Force’s bomber strategy. First introduced nearly four decades ago, the supersonic, heavy bomber can lug up to 75,000 pounds. Alongside its B-2 Spirit and B-52 Stratofortress sister-strategic bombers, the Lancer is one of the most lethal aircraft to ever fly the skies. The B-1 concept dates back to the end of the Second World War, when the Air Force required a new platform with top speed and payload capacity. Additionally, the service sought a bomber that could fly at low altitudes while avoiding detection, in order to effectively evade even the most advanced Soviet air defense systems at the time.
Ultimately, the resulting B-1B bomber would not come to fruition until the Ronald Reagan administration in the 1980s. The aircraft featured a hefty weapons load, an enhanced radar, and a minimized radar cross-section when introduced. The most recent Lancer iteration is capable of carrying 36 AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSMs). As detailed by Air and Space Forces, “The JASSM is physically and functionally similar to the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM), and Air Force officials have increasingly talked about the B-1 taking on an antishipping role in recent years.”
The JAS-39
The Swedish-designed JAS 39 is one of the most popular fourth-generation fighters on the export market. Developed as an affordable and reliable aircraft, the “Gripen” has remained a top player in the skies since its introduction more than a quarter of a century ago. Born from Sweden’s desire to replace its Saab 35 Draken and Saab 37 Viggen jets during the Cold War, the JAS 39 was built to dominate. In terms of armament power, the Swedish fighter series is compatible with a wide range of lethal weapons, including the AIM-9 Sidewinder, the RBS-15 anti-ship missile, the 27mm Mauser BK-27 cannon, and the MBDA Meteor missile. The Gripen is powered by the Volvo RM12 turbofan engine, which is a license-built version of the General Electric F404. The RM12 enables the Gripen to fly at speeds in excess of Mach 2 (times the speed of sound).
About the Author: Maya Carlin
Maya Carlin, National Security Writer with The National Interest, is an analyst with the Center for Security Policy and a former Anna Sobol Levy Fellow at IDC Herzliya in Israel. She has bylines in many publications, including The National Interest, The Jerusalem Post, and The Times of Israel. You can follow her on Twitter: @MayaCarlin.
Image: DVIDS.
