U.S. relocates aircraft from RAF Mildenhall amid reported Iranian threat
Two U.S. refuelling tankers and several other aircraft were moved from RAF Mildenhall to other sites after a reported threat linked to Iran, with security levels raised at the base.
The United States has transferred two aerial refuelling tankers and additional aircraft that were stationed at RAF Mildenhall in eastern England to locations in Germany and elsewhere, according to a report citing officials familiar with the matter. The move follows a reported threat from Iran, though U.S. officials said the exact nature of the threat remains under discussion.
Security at RAF Mildenhall and nearby RAF Lakenheath was elevated to Force Protection Condition (FPCON) Charlie, the second-highest level in the Department of Defense’s threat system, which is applied when intelligence suggests a likely terrorist-style attack.
A spokesperson for the UK Ministry of Defence said the ministry does not routinely comment on other nations’ activities and noted that aircraft and assets are routinely moved to meet operational requirements. A U.S. Air Force spokesperson added that aircraft rotate between installations and operating locations for various reasons.
The relocation follows a series of security incidents, including the arrest of five men outside RAF Fairford earlier this year on suspicion of assisting Iranian intelligence, and the subsequent removal of U.S. B-1 bombers from that base. The incidents have heightened concerns about the broader security implications of the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.