A B-1B Lancer bomber aircraft from Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, deployed in support of Aero India 2021, showcasing the long-range strike platform’s capabilities in a live demonstration. The airplane flew alongside the India’s Light Combat Aircraft, the Tejas, which uses a General Electric engine.
The last time an American bomber was on Indian soil was more than 75 years ago – October 1945 – when India was under British rule.
“Bomber participation demonstrates the strength of our partnership and our shared commitment to global security and a rules-based international order,” said Major General Mark Weatherington, Eighth Air Force and Joint-Global Strike Operations Center commander, who was among the U.S. military delegates in attendance. “Our presence and engagement today is one of great historical significance that we hope to build on in the years ahead.”
“Our bomber forces integrated and operated with the Indian Air Force for the very first time,” said Lt. Col. Michael Fessler, 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron commander and lead Aero India demonstration pilot.
According to Rajnath Singh, India’s defense minister, Aero India serves as a venue for discussions that promote dialogue in a cooperative environment.
Last updated: December 26th, 2025
