The US Air Force cut back on its participation in airshows during the first phase of the Iran war, when aircraft were needed for military operations in the Middle East.

The United States Air Force’s B-1B Lancer was one of the star attractions at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) in July 2025, when it performed a flypast as part of its deployment to Royal Air Force (RAF) Fairford. This year, B-1Bs have been flying from the base in Gloucestershire, England, but because of ongoing military operations in the Middle East against Iran, the 2026 RIAT was canceled.

Despite the RIAT’s cancellation, many American B-1Bs have remained deployed to the UK, having previously carried out heavy strikes inside Iran. The most recent attacks involving the Lancer were in July, when the long-range bombers struck Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) logistics and drone facilities to protect shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz.

It hasn’t been all combat operations for the Cold War-era workhorse bombers, however. This weekend, two B-1Bs performed a flyover at the NATO Days and Czech Air Force Days airshow at Leoš Janáček Ostrava Airport, Czech Republic. It may not have been the RIAT, but it was still a chance for the US Air Force to show off one of its most capable bombers ever built, while also serving to highlight the Air Force’s commitment to regional security.

“The B-1 flyover at NATO Days in Ostrava is a powerful display of American airpower and a clear demonstration of our deterrence as our Allies continue to make historic investments in European defense,” said US Air Force Lt. Gen. Jason T. Hinds, commander of US Air Forces in Europe—Air Forces Africa. “I’m grateful to our Czech hosts as family events like this remind us that NATO has always been a defensive Alliance, safeguarding peace.”

The B-1B Lancer’s Specifications

• Year Introduced: 1985
• Number Built: 104 (4 B-1A, 100 B-1B)
• Length: 146 feet (44.5 meters)
• Height: 34 feet (10.4 meters)
• Wingspan: 79 feet (24.1 meters)
• Weight (MTOW): 477,000 pounds (216,364 kilograms)
• Engines: Four General Electric F101-GE-102 afterburning turbofan engines
• Top Speed: Mach 1.25 (approx. 925 mph, 1,488 km/h)
• Range: 6,500 nautical miles (12,000 km)
• Service Ceiling: 60,000 feet (18,000 meters)
• Payload Capacity:
  • Internal: 75,000 pounds (34,019 kilograms)
  • External: 50,000 pounds (22,679 kilograms)
• Aircrew: 4 (aircraft commander, copilot, two weapon systems officers) 

The United States Air Force currently operates 45 B-1B Lancers. The aircraft formally entered service 40 years ago as a nuclear bomber, but after the end of the Cold War, the United States removed its nuclear capability in accordance with treaty limitations; today, it can carry only conventional weapons.

25 Years of the “NATO Days” Military Airshow

The NATO Days in Ostrava and Czech Air Force Days have become the largest security and air show in Europe. It is held annually at the end of September at the Leoš Janáček Airport Ostrava. The event, which is open to the public free of charge and draws upwards of 200,000 attendees, is meant to showcase the military, security, and rescue capabilities of the Czech Republic and the NATO alliance. It was first established as a Czech demonstration of its armed forces, police, rescue personnel, and other first responders in 2001, but has evolved over the past 25 years to become a premier security and defense exhibition across Europe. This year saw flight demonstrations from 14 nations, as well as static aircraft displays, and joint ground-force operations and Special Forces demonstrations. There were also exhibits of “cutting-edge technology” and future weapon systems.

“Flying the B-1 over Ostrava allows our aircrews to put Allied readiness into practice at the tactical level,” said a US Air Force B-1B Lancer pilot, who took part in the aerial demonstration. “Integrating with our Czech allies sharpens our joint combat readiness and sends a clear unified message of our collective defense and ability to rapidly project decisive airpower in the theater.” 

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.

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