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Sunday, Mar. 8, 2026

Were aircraft from Ellsworth involved with attacks on Iran?

Michael Klinski, South Dakota News Watch
yes

B-1B Lancers from Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota were used in the attacks on Iran on March 1 and 2.

Gov. Larry Rhoden shared a report on X from The Aviationist that the strategic bombers flew from South Dakota to Iran supported by aerial refueling. The mission reportedly took 34 hours, and the Lancers targeted ballistic missile facilities and other command infrastructure.

Ellsworth was also part of a mission in Iran in 2025. The 89th Attack Squadron carried out 175 hours of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance as part of Operation Midnight Hammer in June. Rhoden honored them at a ceremony in October.

The B1-B Lancer can travel faster than the speed of sound and has the capability of carrying the largest payload of any aircraft inventory, and its blended wings and body allows for long-range flights. It made its combat debut in 1998.

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