Supersonic aircraft from the United States dropped live bombs during a training exercise in Latvia, the US embassy has said. It was a joint training mission between Latvia and the United States.

Four B-1B Lancers from 7th Bomb Wing in Texas are currently stationed at RAF Fairford. Two arrived last Tuesday (May 23) and two arrived on Thursday (May 25).

They have already had a close encounter with a Russian jet over the Baltic Sea. The planes are here as part of a long-planned Bomber Task Force exercise working with NATO allies.

READ MORE: Fast military jets fly again over Gloucestershire with alarm at secretive 'war games'

The US Embassy in Riga said on twitter: "For the first time, B-1 Lancer strategic supersonic bombers from USAF 7th Bomb Wing dropped live bombs at Adazi base in a joint training mission with [Latvian] and [US] Joint Terminal Attack Controllers. These missions strengthen relationships with our NATO allies."

The two B1-B bombers were in the Baltic Sea region on Tuesday after flying from the States on their way to Gloucestershire. They took part in Air Policing and Air Shielding Missions.

The USAF said: "The Baltic Sea serves as a critical economic corridor, and consistent coalition surveillance of the international air and maritime space preserves safe and secure passage for all.

"The highly agile aircraft’s 12-hour mission from North America to Europe demonstrates the U.S. Air Force’s rapid ability to deploy anywhere, anytime, and provide lethal precision and global strike options U.S. and Allied commanders."

READ NEXT