U.S. Moves Refueling Tankers From UK Base to Germany and Spain
Nine KC-135 aircraft were repositioned from RAF Mildenhall following credible threats linked to Iran.
By Martin Reynolds ·
The U.S. military relocated nine KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft from RAF Mildenhall in southeast England to bases in Germany and Spain on Monday. The Wall Street Journal reported that sources attributed the move to a threat from Iran, though officials did not clarify if the danger was imminent or general.
Public tracking data confirmed that ten KC-135s departed Mildenhall. One landed at Glasgow Prestwick Airport in Scotland. Four arrived at Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany, and one touched down at Ramstein Air Base, which serves as the headquarters for U.S. Forces Europe. Four additional tankers landed at Morón Air Base in southern Spain on Monday.
A U.S. official told CBS News on Tuesday that credible threats existed against U.K. bases without identifying the source. The official stated, "We take proactive measures to ensure our aircraft, our people, and our installations remain safe and secure." Three U.S. Osprey tiltrotor transport planes also left Mildenhall on Tuesday, arriving at RAF Lakenheath in England.
A spokesperson for U.S. European Command said the command could not comment on specific force protection measures. The spokesperson noted that both RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath remain vigilant in close partnership with host nation allies. They added that coordinated actions are underway with U.K. authorities to protect U.S. service members, civilians, contractors, and families.
A U.S. Air Force spokesperson told CBS News earlier Tuesday that aircraft routinely rotate between installations for training and real-world requirements. The spokesman said movements follow access and basing agreements with allies and that operations security limits further information. The 100th Air Refueling Wing, the only permanent U.S. refueling unit in Europe, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
This relocation follows a security incident at RAF Fairford in England last month. In September, U.S. Air Force long-range bombers were withdrawn from that base. U.K. counterterrorism police searched three vehicles near Fairford, finding only fuel and empty plastic drums. Two men, Mohmed Abdulkarim and Nouman Essghir, both 24, were charged with national security offenses related to the incident.
U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said in October that Iran likely played a part in the September incident at RAF Fairford. Burnham told the BBC that the police investigation remains complex and serious. He stated the U.K. is working closely with the United States on the matter.
