World · Europe · 2 hrs ago
US moves aircraft from British base after reported Iran threat
The United States moved aircraft from RAF Mildenhall in Britain to Germany and other locations on Monday after a reported threat from Iran.
Two US refuelling tankers flew to Germany in the morning, and other aircraft were moved later.
US officials are assessing the threat, but its precise nature has not been disclosed.
Security was tightened at Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath, with the bases placed at FPCON Charlie, the second-highest US defence security level.
The move follows a security incident at RAF Fairford in September, after which the US withdrew bombers from that base.
Fairford has been used by US bombers for strikes on Iran, and Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have said bases used to launch attacks on Iran are legitimate targets.
The US Air Force gave no specific details about the aircraft movements, saying aircraft are moved between bases for various operational reasons.
The United States moved aircraft from RAF Mildenhall in Britain to Germany and other locations on November 9 after a reported threat from Iran.
Two US refuelling tankers flew to Germany that morning, and other tankers were moved later in the day.
US officials were assessing the nature of the threat, which the Wall Street Journal said remained under discussion.
Security measures were tightened at RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath, with the Journal reporting that both bases were raised to FPCON Charlie.
The move came weeks after US bombers were withdrawn from RAF Fairford following a suspected Iran-linked security incident.
- Who
- The US military moved aircraft from RAF Mildenhall.
- What
- Aircraft were sent to Germany and other locations after a reported threat from Iran.
- When
- November 9, 2026.
- Where
- RAF Mildenhall in Britain, with aircraft moved to Germany and other locations.
- Why
- The Wall Street Journal reported a threat from Iran. US officials were assessing its nature.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Five British men were arrested outside RAF Fairford over a security incident, and two others were later arrested on suspicion of assisting Iranian intelligence.
Two US refuelling tankers left RAF Mildenhall for Germany, and other tankers were moved later in the day.
- Base
- RAF Mildenhall, Britain
- Other bases
- RAF Lakenheath and RAF Fairford
- Initial aircraft movement
- Two US refuelling tankers flew to Germany
- Reported security level
- FPCON Charlie at Mildenhall and Lakenheath, according to the Wall Street Journal
- Earlier withdrawal
- US B-1 bombers were removed from RAF Fairford after a security incident
2 sources
What people are saying
We do not routinely comment on the activity of other nations. Aircraft and other assets move regularly according to operational requirements.