A number of factors—the Iran war, logistics problems, or even the Pentagon’s newfound hostility to NATO—could explain the shortage of BTF missions this year.

Summer is in full swing, and even with stubbornly high gasoline prices, Americans are likely to hit the road, while others will be flying off to destinations for summer vacation. It is also around this time of the year that the United States Air Force regularly deploys a few bombers to remote bases.

Just last week, a single B-2 Spirit bomber traveled from Whiteman Air Force Base (AFB), Missouri, to Andersen AFB, Guam, to take part in ongoing Exercise Valiant Shield 2026 with the US Navy and other partners. The B-2 was employed in a live-fire Sinking Exercise (SINKEX), where the Spirit bomber deployed an AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) against an unidentified maritime vessel.

It is unclear how long the B-2 remained in Andersen AFB, but it marked the first time in months that the US Air Force confirmed a bomber had been deployed to Guam. The long-range strategic bomber also conducted joint operations with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as part of Exercise Diamond Storm.

“This activity is valuable as part of efforts to support collective deterrence in the region – deepening advanced air-to-air integration between the Australian Defence Force and United States air elements to enable the two countries to operate together seamlessly,” the US Air Force’s 509th Bomb Wing confirmed.

Why Haven’t There Been More Bomber Task Force Missions This Year?

A year ago, the US Air Force had maintained a steady, high-tempo deployment schedule of Bomber Task Force (BTF) missions, which are meant to project global combat power and allow for training with allies.

The missions had been occurring with some regularity, but appear to have been significantly scaled back in 2026.

Several factors are almost certainly at play.

The first is that B-52 Stratofortress and B-1B Lancers are now rotating through forward locations, demonstrating Agile Combat Employment (ACE) capabilities while operating out of crucial theaters around the globe. The B-52s and B-1Bs were deployed to Royal Air Force (RAF) Fairford to support Operation Epic Fury, the roughly six-week bombing campaign against Iran that began in February.

As those aircraft have been maintained at the base in the UK, the US Air Force may simply not have the bombers to deploy to other bases.

Another factor is that the crash of a B-52H Stratofortress at Edwards Air Force Base last month may have impacted the operational tempo of the bombers. Although the mishap is still under investigation, the Pentagon may not send additional B-52s to other US or allied air bases.

BTF Missions Are Intended for Allies. Does America Still Have Those?

A final consideration is that Secretary Pete Hegseth has shown contempt and even outright disdain for America’s NATO allies, openly criticizing the alliance for failing to support the US military operations against the Islamic Republic, or to aid in opening the Strait of Hormuz. Hegseth has vowed to reduce the US presence in Europe, a development that could include the BTF missions this summer.

The Pentagon has called for a six-month “NATO 3.0” review that directly impacts the US force posture in Europe, and the US military has canceled multiple routine deployments as the review takes place. It would be an easy step for the US Air Force to pare back its BTF missions as part of that effort.

Given that the conflict between the United States and Iran is not fully resolved, the United States is likely to maintain a forward deployment of its forces, including the bombers to RAF Fairford. Coupled with Hegseth’s desire to draw down the US presence in Europe, it is likely that we’ll see fewer BTF missions to Europe in the second half of calendar year 2026.

About the Author: Peter Suciu

Peter Suciu has contributed to dozens of newspapers, magazines and websites over a 30-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a contributing writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. He is based in Michigan. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: Editor@nationalinterest.org.

The post Has the US Air Force Scaled Down Its Bomber Task Force Missions This Year? appeared first on The National Interest.