Three more US bombers have landed in the UK after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer approved “defensive” US action against Iranian missile sites from UK bases.
The B-52 bombers that arrived at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire earlier measure 49m (160ft) and are capable of launching missiles more than 1,500 miles.
They are part of a fleet of US military planes at the base after a B-1 Lancer bomber capable of carrying 24 cruise missiles arrived on Friday evening and two more arrived on Saturday.
After granting the US permission to use RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, the prime minister told MPs the government “does not believe in regime change from the skies”.
Sir Keir had initially refused to grant permission for the US to use UK bases in its joint offensive with Israel against Iran, which caused a disagreement with President Donald Trump.
RAF Fairford, located on the border of Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, has been used by the US in the past to conduct long-range heavy bombing missions.
It is one of the very few European bases certified to operate bombers like the B‑1, B‑52 and B‑2.
This makes it far more efficient for operations targeting Iran, which is located far beyond the range of US-based flights without refuelling.
The B‑52 is one of the US Air Force’s longest‑serving and most versatile heavy bombers and can carry up to 70,000 pounds (31,751kg) of mixed weapons.
It first flew in 1952, yet remains a core part of the United States’ strategic power today due to its capacity, long range, and flexibility.
By BBC News
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