The US Air Force reportedly relocated several aerial refueling aircraft from RAF Mildenhall, a major American military installation in eastern England, on November 9 following a potential threat linked to Iran. Security measures were also tightened at nearby RAF Lakenheath, which hosts US fighter squadrons.
According to The Wall Street Journal, citing people familiar with the matter, two US tanker aircraft diverted to Germany earlier on Monday, followed by several others that were moved from Mildenhall to Germany and additional locations. The precise nature of the reported threat has not been publicly established.
A US official separately confirmed to The War Zone that enhanced force protection measures were in effect at both installations. According to the Journal, the bases were placed under Force Protection Condition Charlie, the second-highest level in the US military's security system, used when intelligence indicates that terrorist action is likely.
The Air Force did not confirm that the aircraft movements were an evacuation prompted by Iran. US officials said military aircraft routinely move between bases for training and operational requirements and declined to discuss specific security measures.
Mildenhall hosts tankers, reconnaissance aircraft and special operations units
Located in Suffolk, RAF Mildenhall is home to the 100th Air Refueling Wing, which operates KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft. It is the only permanently based US Air Force aerial refueling wing in Europe and plays an important role in supporting American and allied aircraft operating across Europe, Africa and beyond.
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Mildenhall also hosts the 95th Reconnaissance Squadron, which operates RC-135V/W Rivet Joint intelligence-gathering aircraft. These specialized jets collect electronic signals and other information used to monitor military activities.
Another major unit at the installation is the 352nd Special Operations Wing, which operates MC-130J Commando II aircraft and CV-22B Osprey tiltrotors. Its missions include transporting special operations forces, conducting infiltration and extraction operations, and supporting aircraft in remote or hostile environments.
The base also serves as a transit and support hub for US military aircraft moving between North America, Europe and other regions.
Nearby Lakenheath is home to F-35 and F-15 fighters
Approximately 15 miles (24 km) from Mildenhall, RAF Lakenheath is another major US Air Force installation in the United Kingdom. It hosts the 48th Fighter Wing, equipped with F-15E Strike Eagle multirole fighters and F-35A Lightning II stealth aircraft.
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Unlike Mildenhall, whose principal missions involve aerial refueling, reconnaissance and special operations, Lakenheath is a frontline combat aviation base. Its fighters regularly operate alongside the KC-135 tankers based at Mildenhall, including during training and deployments.
The reported increase in security at both installations therefore affects two different but closely connected elements of American airpower in Europe: the aircraft that support long-range operations and the fighters that can carry them out.
Previous threat prompted withdrawal of B-1 bombers
The developments follow another security incident involving RAF Fairford, a British airbase used by the United States for deployments of strategic bombers.
In October, the US withdrew B-1B Lancer bombers from Fairford amid concerns about a possible Iranian-linked attack. The installation had previously been used to launch American airstrikes against Iran.
British authorities have investigated suspected activity near Fairford, including the arrest of several individuals. Iran has denied allegations of involvement in a plot against the base, although Iranian officials have previously warned that installations used to launch attacks against the country could become targets.
It remains unclear whether the reported threat to Mildenhall is connected to the earlier incident at Fairford, or how long the enhanced security measures at Mildenhall and Lakenheath will remain in place.
