The U.S. Air Force has deployed B-1B Lancer bombers to Japan for the first time as part of a Bomber Task Force (BTF) rotation. Two bombers from the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron arrived at Misawa Air Base on April 15, marking the beginning of a new phase in U.S. military operations in the Indo-Pacific region.
The aircraft flew directly from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, and completed a joint training mission with South Korean fighters before arriving. During the mission, they flew over the western Korean Peninsula with U.S. F-16s and South Korean F-35s and F-16s.
B-1B Lancers, Airmen, and support crews from the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron have landed at @teammisawa for #BomberTaskForce 25-2—marking the first BTF deployment to Japan. pic.twitter.com/swDkrQxO3q
— U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (@INDOPACOM) April 18, 2025
This is the first time the U.S. has based bombers in Japan for more than a few days since the Vietnam War. The current deployment is expected to last several weeks and may include additional B-1s.
The BTF concept began in 2018 to replace continuous bomber rotations. Instead of permanent overseas basing, BTF deployments are flexible and less predictable, often involving small numbers of aircraft operating from different locations for varying periods.
Previous BTF missions in the Indo-Pacific have included operations from Guam, Australia, and Diego Garcia. Bombers based at these locations have flown missions across South Korea, the Philippines, and Indonesia.
Lt. Col. Christopher Travelstead, operations director for the deployed squadron, said the missions “ensure our B-1 crews are highly trained and ready to respond anytime, anywhere, to defend U.S. interests and support our allies.”
The B-1B, also known as the Lancer, does not carry nuclear weapons but can deliver up to 75,000 pounds of bombs and missiles. It has intercontinental range and can fly at speeds over Mach 1.2.
Japan plays a key role in U.S. strategy in the Pacific. It is part of the first island chain used to limit Chinese and Russian naval movement. Japan also hosts more U.S. troops than any other country outside the United States.
While B-1Bs have landed in Japan before, this is the first full BTF deployment. In February, B-1s refueled at Misawa during a stopover. This process, called “hot-pit” refueling, allows aircraft to stay running during refueling to reduce downtime and avoid technical issues.
A B-52 also landed at Yokota Air Base in April 2024, but that was an emergency landing, not part of a planned mission.
The deployment of B-1Bs in Japan follows the deployment of six B-2 stealth bombers at Diego Garcia. The U.S. Air Force is maintaining a strong bomber presence in the region amid increased activity by China and North Korea.
