# U.S. Air Force sends B-1B bombers over Czech airshow in display of NATO deterrence and long-range strike reach across Europe
The aircraft passed over Leoš Janáček Ostrava Airport during an event involving military forces from 14 countries. The appearance placed the B-1B’s long-range strike role within a broader demonstration of allied readiness and cooperation.
“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 U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Jason T. Hinds, commander of U.S. 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 combines variable-geometry wings, a blended wing-body configuration and turbofan engines to provide speed, maneuverability and extended range. It can carry large quantities of precision and non-precision weapons for missions across long distances.
The flight also allowed U.S. crews to operate alongside Czech personnel and apply allied procedures in a European setting. The Air Force described that tactical integration as part of maintaining joint combat readiness.
“Flying the B-1 over Ostrava allows our aircrews to put Allied readiness into practice at the tactical level,” said a U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer pilot. “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.”
NATO Days began in 2001 as a regional presentation by military, police and emergency services. It has since grown into a major European security and defense showcase that regularly draws as many as 200,000 visitors.
The 2026 event featured flight demonstrations, static aircraft displays and joint ground-force operations. It also included special forces demonstrations and presentations of military technology.
USAFE-AFAFRICA provides the air component for U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command. Its operating area spans three continents, more than 19 million square miles and 104 independent countries.
