Operation EPIC FURY: Double mission for USAF B-1Bs from RAF Fairford

The sorties of US strategic bombers continue at a relentless pace as part of the so-called “Operation EPIC FURY”. According to data gathered by the OSINT community over the last 24 hours, yesterday (March 14, 2026) saw a further intensification of activities, with the launch of two distinct bombing missions (“Mission XV” and “Mission XVI”) heading towards Iran.

The departure and recovery base remains RAF Fairford (EGVA) in the United Kingdom, which has now become the main hub for Rockwell B-1B Lancer operations in this theater.

What clearly emerges from the analysis of ADS-B tracks and radio communications is a tactical shift by the USAF: there is an evident, concerted effort to mask mission profiles by varying callsigns and dispersing the network of supporting aerial refuelers across different European bases.

Here is the breakdown of the two Strike Packages tracked yesterday:

Mission XV (Estimated Departure: 09:00Z)

The first wave saw the deployment of a pair of B-1Bs, operating with the callsigns “DENT15” and “DENT16”. To ensure the necessary range along the Mediterranean route, a massive air-to-air refueling (AAR) airbridge was set up, divided into two approach routes:

Tanker Support from RAF Mildenhall (UK):

• KC-135R callsign “VINYL08” (Reg: 57-2605)
• KC-135R callsign “VINYL09” (Reg: 61-0315)
• KC-135T callsign “VINYL10” (Reg: 59-1464)

Tanker Support from Sofia (Bulgaria):

• KC-135R (Reg: 62-3573)
• KC-135R callsign “PETRO54” (Reg: 63-8019)
• KC-135R (Reg: 63-8000)

Mission XVI (Estimated Departure: 13:00Z)

About four hours later, the second cell took off, consisting of B-1Bs with callsigns “HOME36” (airframe 86-0138, known by the nose art “Seek and Destroy”) and “HOME37”.

In this case, the logistical support architecture was different, involving assets deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean to intercept the bombers during the advanced phase of their outbound leg and, presumably, during their night return:

Tanker Support from Souda Bay (Greece):

• Three (3) KC-135R/T tracked with obscured/unreceived callsigns and registrations.

Tanker Support from Sofia (Bulgaria):

• KC-135R (Reg: 62-3564)
• KC-135R (Reg: 59-1459)

Route Analysis

As shown in the graphic reconstructions (credit: @DefenceGeek / @MATA_osint), the bombers avoided central European airspace. After takeoff from Fairford, the aircraft headed south, crossing French and Spanish airspace before entering the Mediterranean Sea.

The main refueling points are presumably located in the central Mediterranean and south of Crete (utilizing the assets that took off from Souda and Sofia), before turning east towards the Middle East.

All main assets safely returned to RAF Fairford overnight. The fragmentation of ADS-B data highlights the Air Force’s intention to maintain a certain level of Operational Security (OPSEC), making the exact reconstruction of the daily Air Tasking Orders increasingly complex.