The US military used a B-1 long-range bomber in the strikes it launched on Iran on Tuesday for the first time since the resumption of fighting with Tehran, 12 days earlier.

The B-1 bomber took off to carry out its mission from an air base in the United Kingdom, and was tracked via websites that monitor aircraft movements.

What is the B-1 bomber?

The B-1B is a multi-role strategic bomber, designed to carry out long-range strikes against land and sea targets using high-precision guided and unguided weapons. It was developed by Boeing (after its acquisition of Rockwell), and entered operational service in 1986.

A B-1 bomber belonging to the US Air Force prepares to land at RAF Fairford air base. March 17, 2026 - Reuters

Although it was originally designed as a bomber capable of carrying nuclear weapons, the United States permanently removed this mission from the aircraft's functions between 2007 and 2011, making it dedicated solely to conventional operations.

Why is it considered one of the most dangerous US bombers?

The B-1B combines speed, large payload, and the ability to penetrate air defenses, as it can carry up to 34 tons of conventional munitions, the largest payload among operational US bombers. Its speed exceeds Mach 1.2 (more than approximately 1,400 km/h).

It also features intercontinental range with aerial refueling capability, variable-sweep wings that allow efficient flight at different speeds and altitudes, and low-altitude flight capability to evade radars and air defenses.

What are the most prominent armament and targeting systems?

The bomber relies on an advanced electronic system that includes: a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) capable of detecting and tracking stationary and moving targets. A navigation system based on GPS with an inertial navigation system, giving it high accuracy in hitting targets. And a Link-16 data link to exchange information with US and allied forces in real-time.

In addition to electronic jamming systems and radar threat detection, as well as launching thermal decoys, chaff, and missile decoys.

What weapons does it carry?

The B-1B can carry a wide range of munitions, most notably: Mk-82 500-pound bombs. Mk-84 2,000-pound bombs. And GPS-guided JDAM bombs.

And Laser JDAM guided bombs, long-range AGM-158 JASSM missiles for striking high-value targets. And naval mines and cluster munitions (depending on the mission).

Where has it been used in combat?

The United States has used the bomber in several of its most prominent military operations, including: Operation Desert Fox against Iraq in 1998. And Operation Allied Force in Kosovo in 1999.

In addition to its use in the war in Afghanistan after the September 11 attacks, where it dropped approximately 40% of the total munitions expended by coalition forces during the first six months.

The United States also used it in the invasion of Iraq in 2003, flying less than 1% of combat sorties, yet dropping 43% of the JDAM bombs used in the war. It later participated in operations against the 'ISIS' organization and in deterrence and deployment missions in several regions around the world.

Why did Washington choose it to strike Iran?

Military experts believe that the B-1B is suitable for this type of operation because: it can take off from distant bases and reach its targets without the need for nearby bases.

Also, it carries a large number of precision munitions in a single sortie, and can conduct simultaneous strikes against multiple targets. It also possesses advanced electronic protection systems that increase its survival chances in complex combat environments.

And it can remain airborne for long hours thanks to aerial refueling.