U.S. Relocates Aircraft from RAF Mildenhall Amid Iranian Threat Concerns
The United States moved several KC-135 refueling tankers and Osprey helicopters from RAF Mildenhall to other bases in Europe after heightened security measures were triggered by an unspecified Iranian threat.
The United States has transferred a number of military aircraft from RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk, England, after the base’s security posture was heightened. A U.S. official told NBC News that the aircraft were operating under “enhanced force protection measures,” though the exact nature of the threat was not disclosed.
Flight-tracking data showed that at least eight KC-135 Stratotankers and three Osprey helicopters left the base on Monday. The tankers were relocated to airfields in Germany and Spain, with one moved to the vicinity of Glasgow Prestwick Airport in Scotland, while the Ospreys were sent to nearby RAF Lakenheath.
The move follows the recent withdrawal of bombers from RAF Fairford after a suspected Iran-linked terror plot was foiled. The Wall Street Journal reported that the relocation was prompted by an Iranian threat, though details remain under discussion among U.S. officials.
“We take proactive measures to ensure our aircraft, our people, and our installations remain safe and secure,” a U.S. official said.
“U.S. Air Force aircraft rotate between installations and operating locations for a variety of reasons including training and real-world requirement,” a U.S. European Command official added. “U.S. military aircraft are hosted in accordance with access, basing, and overflight agreements with our Allies and partners. Due to operations security, we will not provide further information on movement of assets.”
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said the U.K. does not routinely comment on other nations’ activities and noted that “aircraft and other assets move regularly according to operational requirements.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States had responded to reported threats against American diplomats overseas by moving personnel away from potential danger. President Donald Trump, citing progress in negotiations to end the war, said further U.S. attacks on Iran were not expected at this time, though the United States remains prepared to act if circumstances change.