The B-1B Lancer could be used to strike North Korean missile sites — here's what the bomber can do

The US Air Force conducted an exercise near the Korean Peninsula on Thursday involving two B-1B bombers and Japanese and South Korean fighter jets.

"The bilateral continuous bomber presence (CBP) mission was planned in advance ... and was not in response to any current event," the Air Force said in a statement.

North Korea called it a "surprise" strike drill — and they might not be incorrect.

The Pentagon has actually devised a plan to take out the North's missile sites just in case President Donald Trump ever orders the preemptive strike, and the B-1B Lancers would a play a key role.

Here's what we know about the plan and about what the Lancer can do.

SEE ALSO: 3 US carriers are now in the Pacific amid tensions with North Korea — here's what they bring with them

The B-1B Lancer is a long-range, multi-role heavy bomber that was developed in the 1970s as a replacement for the B-52.

Source: US Air Force

The B-1B Lancer, which was first used in combat in 1998, was heavily used in Operation Iraqi Freedom during the Iraq War, dropping nearly 40% of all the coalition's munitions.

The Lancer, which is made by Boeing — one of the largest defense contractors and political donors in the US — will continue to be the backbone of the US strategic bomber force until about 2040.

Its four General Electric F101-GE-102 turbofan engines each provide the Lancer with more than 30,000 pounds of thrust.

Source: US Air Force

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