US Air Force Moves 10 KC-135s From UK Base as Iran Threat Concerns Mount
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Nov 10
US Air Force Moves 10 KC-135s From UK Base as Iran Threat Concerns Mount
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Nov 10
Summary
At least 10 US Air Force KC-135 refuelling aircraft left RAF Mildenhall on Monday, with flights tracked to US bases in Germany and Italy and one landing at Prestwick in Scotland.
Flight data reviewed by BBC Verify showed two tankers initially routed via Aviano and Mildenhall before both ended at Spangdahlem, while eight more departed later the same day.
The Wall Street Journal said the moves responded to an Iranian threat, but British and US officials did not confirm that; both governments said aircraft movements can reflect operational or security requirements.
The departures follow the earlier removal of US bombers from RAF Fairford after a suspected Iran-linked security incident, where two Britons were later charged and eight men were arrested in a wider investigation.