US to send supersonic "flying fortress" to exercise near China

US B-1 bombers (Photo: Aviationist)

SCMP reported that two US B-1B supersonic bombers will participate in the Exercise Cope joint exercise between Washington and India.

The planes were seen in Bangalore, southern India. The US B-1Bs will take part in the exercise, which is being held about 700km from the disputed border between India and China. The exercise began on April 13 and is scheduled to conclude on April 24 at the Kalaikunda air base.

Developed in the 1970s, the B-1 Phantom is considered one of the "backbone" aircraft of the US long-range bomber force. The B-1 can fly at speeds of over 1,448 km/h and can carry more than 3.4 tons of ammunition.

It uses four General Electric F101-GE-102 turbofan engines and is capable of carrying AGM-86B cruise missiles and AGM-69 short-range attack missiles, along with many other types of bombs. Thanks to improvements, the B-1B Lancer is expected to serve in the US Air Force until 2040.

Observers say the US’s deployment of strategic weapons such as the B-1B to India for military exercises suggests that Washington may want New Delhi to take a tougher approach to China. However, experts say India, a strategically independent power, will likely maintain a balance between major powers.

"The B-1B is a strategic bomber, so although it has not participated in many exercises, it has demonstrated its stronger offensive capabilities from outside the defense zone. The US's purpose in deploying the B-1B is to emphasize its growing partnership with India and strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the strategic field," military expert Song Zhongping told SCMP.

However, according to Mr. Song, India and China are focusing on economic development goals and are unlikely to let geopolitical conflicts become more serious.

India is a member of the “Quad” – a US-led security grouping aimed at maintaining peace and stability in the Indo- Pacific region. China has repeatedly accused the group of inciting confrontation.

However, India is also a member of two other important groups, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the BRICS group of leading emerging economies. China is a member of both these organizations.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-gioi/my-se-dua-phao-dai-bay-sieu-thanh-tap-tran-gan-trung-quoc-20230421090615589.htm