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A US B-1B Lancer strategic bomber, capable of carrying up to 24 cruise missiles and with a total weapons capacity of 34 tons, arrived at RAF Fairford air base in Gloucestershire, United Kingdom, on Friday, as part of the escalation of the US military operation against Iran.
The aircraft, about 44.5 meters long, with a wingspan of about 41.8 meters and a maximum take-off weight of about 86 tons, is known as the fastest bomber in the US Air Force arsenal, reaching speeds of over 1,450 km/h.
Nicknamed “Bone” by pilots, the B-1 is operated by a crew of four and is equipped with advanced radar, precision GPS systems, electronic jammers, radar warnings and decoy systems to protect against enemy attacks. It has an extensive combat history in Syria, Libya, Afghanistan and Iraq.
The arrival of the bomber comes shortly after US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned of a "dramatic increase" in strikes on Iranian targets, including missile installations, ammunition depots and command infrastructure. Hegseth stressed that the US would use British bases to speed up operations, significantly reducing flight times compared to direct flights from the US.
This move was made possible after the decision of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who authorized the use of British bases for "defensive and limited" strikes against Iranian ballistic missiles, with the aim of preventing new launches towards regional allies and Western forces.
The decision came after Iranian drone attacks on a British base in Cyprus and strong pressure from the Trump administration. Military analysts estimate that the arrival of the B-1 at Fairford signals the next phase of Operation Epic Fury, with a focus on massive and sustained strikes on Iran's missile and nuclear capabilities. The base in Gloucestershire is one of the few places in Europe capable of hosting American heavy bombers such as the B-1, B-2 Spirit and B-52, thanks to its long runway and specialized infrastructure.
The White House has reiterated that the operation aims to "unconditionally surrender" the Iranian regime and destroy its long-term threats.
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