The U.S. moved refueling aircraft from RAF Mildenhall to other locations in Europe on Monday, November 9, after a reported threat linked to Iran prompted higher security at U.S. bases in Britain.
Public flight-tracking data showed that about eight to 10 KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft left the Suffolk base. Reports differed on the exact number and destinations. Some tankers flew to bases in Germany and Spain.
One went to Glasgow Prestwick Airport in Scotland. Three Osprey aircraft also left Mildenhall for nearby RAF Lakenheath. A U.S. official told CBS News that there were credible threats against bases in the U.K.
The official did not identify who was behind the threats or say whether the danger was imminent. U.S. reporting said security at Mildenhall and Lakenheath had been raised. Military officials declined to discuss specific protective measures.
The U.S. Air Force said aircraft routinely move between installations for training and operational needs. The Air Force did not confirm that every departure was tied to the reported threat. Britain’s Ministry of Defence said it does not routinely comment on other nations’ military activity.
It noted that aircraft move regularly for operational reasons. The move followed the U.S. withdrawal of bombers from RAF Fairford in October. That withdrawal came after an investigation into a suspected plot linked to Iran that targeted the base.