US Military Aircraft Evacuated from Second UK Base Amid Iran Security Threats
US jets exit RAF Mildenhall as Iran-linked threats escalate. Officials report asset relocations and security level upgrades during ongoing defense reviews.
POLICY WIRE — London, UK — American military aircraft were withdrawn from a second British airbase on Monday in response to a perceived threat from Iran, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.
The outlet cited individuals familiar with the matter for details on the evacuation at RAF Mildenhall, located in Suffolk.
This development follows a previous incident in which Washington pulled its bombers from RAF Fairford airbase due to suspected Iran-linked security concerns.
Two US refuelling tankers operating out of RAF Mildenhall rerouted to Germany earlier in the day, per the WSJ account.
Additional tankers stationed at the base were relocated to Germany and other sites later in the day.
US officials are currently deliberating the specific details of the threat posed to RAF Mildenhall.
According to a US official familiar with the situation, the security posture at both RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath was elevated to FPCON Charlie.
FPCON Charlie, classified as the second-highest defensive threat level in the US Department of Defense framework, is enacted when intelligence suggests terrorist action is likely.
A British Ministry of Defence spokesperson stated that they do not routinely comment on the activities of other nations, noting that aircraft and assets move regularly based on operational needs.
A US Air Force spokesperson declined to disclose specifics regarding the asset movements to the WSJ.
The spokesperson explained that US aircraft rotate between installations and operating sites for various reasons.
Reuters was unable to reach the US Air Force for immediate comment on the matter.
The White House, the Pentagon, and US European Command did not immediately respond to requests for comment sent outside regular business hours.
The suspected Iran-linked incident at RAF Fairford in southwest England previously resulted in the arrest of five men outside the airbase in September.
Two additional arrests were made later on suspicion of assisting Iranian intelligence.
The specific circumstances surrounding the incident remain largely unexplained to the public.
The event drew significant international attention amid heightened concerns regarding the security implications for Western states resulting from the war between the United States and Iran.
The episode led the US to remove its B-1 bombers from the Fairford airbase for security reasons.
RAF Fairford had been utilized by US bombers to conduct strikes against Iran.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated in October that the activity at RAF Fairford was likely coordinated from Iran.
Tehran’s ambassador to Britain has denied allegations of involvement in any plot targeting the airbase.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)