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America Deploys B-1B Bombers Near Russia Days Before Putin-Trump Meeting
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
The United States has deployed three B-1B Lancer bombers to Norway for joint training with European allies, marking the first such presence in the country since 2021.
The aircraft, assigned to the 345th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, flew 4,800 miles from Dyess Air Force Base in Texas to Ørland Air Station, Norway’s central base for F-35 fighter jets.
According to Air & Space Forces Magazine on August 11, the deployment is part of a Bomber Task Force mission aimed at improving interoperability, enhancing maneuverability, and conducting strike mission training against both air and ground threats in real time.
In a statement, US Air Forces in Europe said the exercises will involve integrated operations with NATO partners, allowing aircrews to “train the way we fight” and strengthen coordination in dynamic environments.
Norwegian Armed Forces reported that the B-1Bs will train alongside F-35 fighters based at Ørland, though specific training locations have not been disclosed. Flights are expected to take place over Northern Europe and the Baltic region.
The duration of the deployment has not been confirmed, but previous Bomber Task Force missions have lasted a month or longer.
The last time B-1Bs operated from Ørland in 2021, Russia’s Northern Fleet responded by sending the missile cruiser Marshal Ustinov to Norway’s maritime border.
This year’s deployment comes one month before Russia and Belarus are set to begin their large-scale strategic exercise “Zapad-2025.” Similar drills in 2021 included the participation of 3,000 Northern Fleet personnel near Norway and Finland, as well as naval and air force training in the Barents Sea.
The announcement also follows US President Donald Trump’s statement that he will meet Russian leader Vladimir Putin on August 15 in Alaska.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump said he would seek the return of “some territory” for Ukraine during Friday’s meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Alaska, describing it as a “feel-out” discussion to press for an end to the war.
