The U.S. Air Force is sending B-1B Lancer bombers to Norway for the first time in history. The deployment of the bombers is particularly bold, as Norway is one of Russia’s many neighbors. The move sends a strong signal that the U.S. is prepared to push back against aggressive Russian activities.

Four B-1B bombers will soon fly from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas across the Atlantic Ocean to Orland Air Base in Norway, the home of the country’s fleet of F-35A Joint Strike Fighter jets. Approximately 200 U.S. Air Force personnel will accompany the bombers.

The U.S. is likely sending the B-1B bombers to let Russia know President Joe Biden's administration will take a tougher line against nefarious Russian activities than Donald Trump's administration did. In recent months, Moscow has cracked down on anti-government demonstrations, is believed to have poisoned a well known pro-democracy activist, and possibly spearheaded the Solarwinds U.S. government hack. Russian bombers have also flown near Japan in a joint patrol with Chinese bombers.