U.S. Air Force Relocates Aircraft from RAF Mildenhall Due to Threat

The U.S. Air Force has moved aircraft from its base located in eastern England in response to a threat, according to U.S. officials. They informed The Associated Press about this decision.

The Military Air Tracking Alliance, which consists of roughly 30 analysts, reported that 13 U.S. aircraft departed from RAF Mildenhall. These aircraft relocated to bases in Scotland, Spain, and Germany.

The Wall Street Journal, the first to report this evacuation, mentioned that the threat was associated with Iran. They cited sources familiar with the situation.

Recently, the U.S. Air Force also withdrew bombers from another base, RAF Fairford, in Britain. This was during a police investigation into a suspected terror plot linked to Iran. Bombers from RAF Fairford have been utilized in operations against Iran amid Middle Eastern conflicts.

Some of the aircraft at RAF Mildenhall were permanently based there, while others were visiting on rotation. They included various Osprey aircraft and midair refueling tankers, as noted by the Military Air Tracking Alliance.

The base has increased its alert level to FPCON Charlie, the second highest level. This action signifies a likelihood of terrorist activity targeting personnel or facilities, based on recent intelligence.

A U.S. Air Force KC-135, an in-flight refueling aircraft, takes off from RAF Mildenhall air base in England during routine exercises on Sept. 20, 2001.

According to a U.S. official, the decision to relocate the aircraft was precautionary. The U.S. military aims to stay agile in the face of potential threats. The official noted that the relocated planes might return to RAF Mildenhall but did not specify the nature of the threat.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio mentioned the United States frequently repositions forces for various reasons. He referred further inquiries to the Pentagon, which hasn’t confirmed details yet.

An official from the U.S. Air Force in Europe indicated that coordinated actions are underway to maintain the safety and security of U.S. and U.K. personnel. Aircraft rotations occur for diverse purposes, such as training and operational demands.

The U.K. prime minister’s office assured that British air bases are secure, with security considered a top priority. The U.K. communicates closely with the U.S. to share intelligence and assess threats collaboratively.

RAF Mildenhall is a U.K. base under U.S. Air Force operation. It hosts the 100th refueling wing, the only permanent refueling wing in Europe, utilizing the KC-135 Stratotanker. This four-engine jet has a wingspan of 131 feet and can hold up to 83,000 pounds of cargo.

On September 27, five men were apprehended after suspicious vans headed towards RAF Fairford. This U.K.-owned base has been a long-term site for American bombers participating in Middle Eastern conflicts, including those involving Iran.

Following further arrests, two individuals face charges under the National Security Act.

The U.K. Defense Ministry refrained from commenting on activities of other nations and emphasized regular aircraft movement per operational needs.

Report by Konstantin Toropin from Washington.