US Edition
US Bombers Deploy to RAF Fairford to Sustain Strikes on Iran
The U.S. deployed eight B-1B and three B-52 bombers at RAF Fairford to accelerate strikes on nearly 200 Iranian missile targets, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said.
- On March 9, three B-52H Stratofortress bombers from Minot Air Force Base landed at RAF Fairford, joining U.S. B-1B Lancer bombers to sustain strikes on Iran.
- The U.K. MoD confirmed Saturday that U.S. forces had begun using RAF Fairford for 'specific defensive operations' after Starmer authorized the request on March 1 for a 'limited defensive purpose'.
- B-1B Lancers first arrived the evening of March 6 with more on March 7, while CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper said nearly 200 bomber strikes hit Iran in 72 hours; the B-1B carries 24 missiles internally and the B-52 up to 70,000 pounds of weapons.
- Basing heavy bombers at RAF Fairford significantly shortens mission turnaround compared with flights from the continental United States, while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned on March 4 that strikes were 'about to surge dramatically' and shifting to gravity bombs.
- This deployment marks the first time B-52s have appeared in the U.K. during this conflict, while local residents and plane-spotters caused roadblocks that Gloucestershire Police managed around RAF Fairford.
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The deployment is in addition to the growing concentration of U.S. bombers at RAF Fairford, following the recent arrival of four B-1B Lances. Learn more: Washington launches precision attacks with B-52 bombers on underground missile arsenals in Iran
Three long-range B-52 Stratofortresses have landed at RAF Fairford in the UK. These strike aircraft can carry bombs, missiles, mines and even nuclear weapons.
Huge US B-52 bomber lands at UK air base
A US Air Force B-52 bomber plane landed at RAF Fairford airbase on Monday (9 March), after the US and Israel’s airstrikes towards Iran sparked widespread regional conflict. It comes after Britain's Ministry of Defence said the US has started using British bases for “specific defensive operations” against Iran. Sir Keir Starmer has stood by his decision not to allow the use of British bases to support initial strikes, saying he needed to be satis…
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