Three more United States bombers have touched down in the United Kingdom after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer approved “defensive” action by the US against Iranian missile sites from UK bases.
The newly arrived Boeing B-52 Stratofortress bombers, which measure 160 feet (49 meters) in length, are capable of launching missiles over distances exceeding 1,500 miles (2,414 kilometers).
They joined an already significant fleet of American military aircraft stationed at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, following the arrival of a B-1 Lancer bomber on Friday evening and two additional planes on Saturday.
Having granted the United States permission to utilize RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and the British Indian Ocean Territory base at Diego Garcia, the prime minister emphasized to Members of Parliament that the government “does not believe in regime change from the skies.”
A large, black B-52 military bomber, sleek and long, was seen descending the runway at Fairford Air Base on a misty day, with barbed wire visible in the foreground.
The bombers’ presence marks a notable increase in air activity at RAF Fairford over the past 72 hours, with the United States deploying some of its heaviest long-range bomber assets.
This deployment represents the first time B-52s have been observed in the United Kingdom amid the current conflict. Piloted by a crew of five, the B-52 Stratofortress is one of the United States Air Force’s longest-serving and most versatile heavy bombers. It can carry up to 70,000 pounds (31,751 kilograms) of a mix of weapons.
Despite first flying in 1952, it continues to play a central role in U.S. strategic capabilities due to its range, payload, and adaptability.
Sir Keir Starmer had initially declined U.S. requests to use UK bases for a joint operation with Israel against Iran, sparking a dispute with President Donald Trump.
However, in a video statement released on Sunday, the prime minister granted the request in the interest of “collective self-defence” of allies and to safeguard British lives, accusing Iran of pursuing a “scorched-earth strategy.”
He further clarified that the United States would use UK bases for the “specific and limited defensive purpose” of neutralizing Iran’s missile capabilities “at source.”
The United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran early on February 28, with President Trump urging the Iranian people to overthrow their government.
Iran has retaliated with strikes on U.S. assets and allied nations in the region, including Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Iraq.
Sir Keir had confirmed that UK aircraft were “in the sky” over the Middle East as part of defensive measures to protect allies and citizens, but stressed that the United Kingdom “played no role” in the offensive strikes.
RAF Fairford, situated on the Gloucestershire, Wiltshire border, has historically supported long-range heavy bombing operations.
It is among the few European bases certified to operate aircraft such as the B-1, B-52, and B-2 bombers, making it a highly strategic location for operations targeting Iran, which lies beyond the unrefueled range of U.S.-based bombers.
Local residents have raised concerns about congestion after several roads were blocked by plane enthusiasts eager to observe the bombers.
A Gloucestershire Police spokesperson stated that officers were actively addressing parking and access issues caused by the influx of onlookers.
“Work is ongoing with partner agency colleagues to ensure that crash gates, access roads and pavements remain clear. We are closing side roads to the crash gates to keep these usable but the issue of pavement parking continues,” the spokesperson said. “Anyone visiting the area is asked to park responsibly as whilst plane spotting is a popular hobby, the safety of those people, members of the public and RAF staff is our priority.”
