Two US refuelling tankers stationed at RAF Mildenhall on Monday diverted to Germany amid a threat linked to Iran, the Wall Street Journal reported. The move came weeks after the US withdrew bombers from RAF Fairford following a suspected Iran-related security incident.
According to people familiar with the matter, the initial diversion involved two tankers departing RAF Mildenhall earlier in the day. Later, several other tankers based there were relocated to Germany and other locations. The report did not specify the exact number of aircraft moved beyond the initial two.
The US military’s decision to evacuate assets from a second British airbase signals a heightened level of caution. RAF Mildenhall, located in Suffolk, hosts a substantial number of US Air Force refuelling and reconnaissance aircraft, making it a strategic hub for operations across Europe and beyond.
The earlier withdrawal from RAF Fairford, in Gloucestershire, followed what US officials described as a suspected security threat linked to Iran. That incident led to the removal of bomber aircraft from the base, though details about the nature of the threat remain classified.
The moves come amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran, which have escalated over the last year. US forces in Europe have been adjusting deployments in response to intelligence suggesting increased risks to personnel and equipment from Iranian-backed groups.
No official statement has been released by the US Department of Defense or British Ministry of Defence regarding the latest relocations from RAF Mildenhall. The Wall Street Journal’s sources declined to provide further details, citing operational security.
RAF Mildenhall has long been a key location for the US Air Force in Europe, hosting KC-135 Stratotanker and KC-10 Extender aircraft, which provide aerial refuelling capabilities essential for extended missions. The temporary shift of these tankers to Germany could affect operational logistics but appears aimed at reducing vulnerability to potential Iranian threats.
The timing of the moves, coming just weeks after the Fairford withdrawal, suggests a coordinated response to evolving intelligence. US military officials continue to monitor threats closely, adjusting deployments as needed.
The exact nature of the Iran-linked threat has not been publicly confirmed. The US and UK governments maintain a policy of not commenting on specific intelligence assessments, particularly those involving potential hostile actions against military installations.
The repositioning of aircraft from RAF Mildenhall to Germany marks the second recent US military withdrawal from a UK base under threat concerns this autumn. Whether these are temporary measures or part of a broader realignment remains unclear.
The situation remains fluid, with both US and British forces maintaining heightened alert levels at their European bases. Further moves or adjustments could follow if the security environment deteriorates.
The developments underscore the challenges faced by Western militaries operating in proximity to Iran's sphere of influence. The US retains a significant presence across Europe, balancing deterrence and defense amid an unpredictable regional security landscape.
The withdrawal of bombers from RAF Fairford in October was the first indication of the US military’s concerns over Iran-linked threats on British soil. The subsequent relocation of refuelling tankers from RAF Mildenhall this week confirms those concerns extend beyond one installation.
The Wall Street Journal report did not mention any incidents involving personnel or damage to equipment in connection with these threats. No official confirmation has emerged regarding any specific Iranian operations targeting these bases.
The US Air Force continues to operate from multiple locations in Europe, including Germany, which hosts Ramstein Air Base, a major command and control centre. The transfer of aircraft there from RAF Mildenhall could enhance coordination and protection measures.
The moves come as US-Iran tensions persist despite ongoing diplomatic efforts in other areas. The military posture in Europe remains cautious, with adjustments reflecting intelligence assessments of possible hostile acts.
The situation around RAF Mildenhall and RAF Fairford will be watched closely by defence analysts and regional governments. Any further changes in deployment could signal shifts in the broader strategic landscape involving Iran and Western allies.
According to The Guardian.
