US pulls B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford and outlines global basing locations

Over the course of Sunday, twelve B-1B bombers departed RAF Fairford in western England and returned to the United States, ending the airfield’s role as a launch point for strikes on Iran that began on Feb. 28. The base is the U.S. Air Force’s only European location for heavy bombers.

Six individuals were arrested on suspicion of terrorism related to the plot, but all were released on bail.

"So we moved them around a little bit, not very far," President Donald Trump told reporters, saying the relocation was prompted by "some threats" he linked to Iran. Secretary of State Marco Rubio later said the moves were "not unusual to see rotations happen" and expressed confidence in the security of U.S. bases. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham suggested that "Iran played a part" in the alleged scheme, though Tehran denied involvement and lodged a diplomatic protest.

The United States operates three bomber types—B-52 Stratofortress, B-1B Lancer and B-2 Spirit—with the B-21 Raider stealth bomber slated for delivery in 2027. All are permanently stationed at five U.S. bases: B-52s at Barksdale, LA and Minot, ND; B-1Bs at Dyess, TX and Ellsworth, SD; B-2s at Whiteman, MO; and the future B-21s at Ellsworth.

For overseas missions, bombers rotate through forward locations such as Andersen AFB in Guam, Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, and allied airfields on a temporary basis. Recent deployments have placed B-52s in Spain, B-1Bs in Norway, and B-52s in Australia. Long-range strikes can also be launched from the United States with aerial refueling support, as demonstrated by missions lasting more than 30 hours during the recent U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran.