Reported Iran threat sees U.S. moves planes from second U.K. base

The U.S. military has relocated nine refueling aircraft from a base in England to bases in Germany and Spain, according to sources quoted by The Wall Street Journal. The reported reason for the move is a threat from Iran, though the nature of the threat remains unclear. Ten KC-135 Stratotankers were moved from Royal Air Force Base Mildenhall in southeast England, with one landing at Glasgow Prestwick Airport in Scotland and others at Spangdahlem Air Base and Ramstein Air Base in Germany, as well as Morón Air Base in Spain.

Four Osprey tiltrotor transport planes also moved from Mildenhall to Lakenheath in England. The U.S. official stated that such measures are taken to ensure safety and security, but declined to provide further details on the specific aircraft movements. A U.S. Air Force spokesperson added that aircraft movements are routine and can be due to various reasons including training and operational requirements.

The 100th Air Refueling Wing, which has been stationed at Mildenhall for years, did not comment on the matter. This movement of aircraft follows a security incident at RAF Fairford, England, where five British men were arrested on suspicion of terrorism offenses, and two men were subsequently charged. U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham suggested Iran may have been involved in the incident, though the investigation is ongoing.