US Air Force's B-1B Lancer turns heads at Bengaluru airport

If one happened to pay a visit to the Bengaluru airport recently, one would have been privy to a sleek dark gray bomber parked amongst a fleet of passenger planes on the tarmac.

The United States Air Force' B-1B Lancer—which has been stationed at Kempegowda International airport's Terminal 2— has caught the attention of both aviation enthusiasts and defence watchers alike. Moreover, even the layman can't help but stop and admire the majestic supersonic heavy bomber.

Colloquially known as the 'Bone', the B-1B Lancer has served the United States Air Force since 1985. Though it was intended for nuclear use, the B-1 switched to conventional combat role during the 1990s. This bomber holds almost 50 world records for speed, payload, range, and time of climb in its class. The B-1B is capable of flying at Mach 1.25 speeds while carrying a massive payload of conventional or nuclear weapons.

Due to its blended wing configuration and variable-geometry wings, the bomber is able to provide long range, maneuverability and high speed.

It was the passengers at the airport who confirmed the bomber's landing on November 11 and took to their social media account to post a picture of the majestic beast.

One user wrote, "B1 Lancer at #blrairport".

Another wrote, "US Air Force B1 lancer at Bangalore Airport."

This bomber's visit comes ahead of the Exercise Cope India 2025, — a bilateral air force exercise between India and United States, focused on enhancing interoperability and  military cooperation. However, this isn't 1B's first visit to India.

In April 2025, the bomber graced us with its presence at Aero India and earlier visited during Exercise Cope India 2023.

However, this deployment highlights the growing relations between India and the United States.