- The bombers, each about 160 feet (49 metres) long, are capable of launching missiles at targets more than 1,500 miles away
- Their arrival adds to the growing number of American military aircraft stationed at the base
- The B-52, operated by a crew of five, is among the longest-serving aircraft in the US arsenal
Three additional B‑52 Stratofortress bombers from the United States Air Force have arrived in the United Kingdom after Prime Minister Keir Starmer approved the use of British bases for what he described as “defensive” operations against Iranian missile positions.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the aircraft landed at RAF Fairford, a key airbase frequently used by the United States for long-range bomber deployments.
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The bombers, each about 160 feet (49 metres) long, are capable of launching missiles at targets more than 1,500 miles away.
Their arrival adds to the growing number of American military aircraft stationed at the base. A B‑1 Lancer had already landed on Friday evening, followed by two more bombers the next day.
Starmer recently granted Washington permission to use RAF Fairford as well as Diego Garcia for operations linked to the ongoing confrontation involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
Despite the approval, the British prime minister told lawmakers that the UK does not support attempts to remove governments through military air campaigns, stressing that the permission was strictly for limited defensive actions.
Military activity at RAF Fairford has increased significantly over the past three days as the United States positions heavy bomber aircraft in the region. This marks the first time B-52 bombers have been deployed to the UK since the current conflict began.
The B-52, operated by a crew of five, is among the longest-serving aircraft in the US arsenal. First flown in 1952, the bomber remains a crucial part of America’s strategic capabilities because of its long range and ability to carry up to 70,000 pounds of weapons.
Initially, Starmer had declined requests from Donald Trump to allow the use of British bases during joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran, which reportedly caused tensions between the two leaders.
However, the British leader later approved the request, saying it was necessary for collective self-defence and the protection of allied nations and British citizens. He accused Iran of pursuing a destructive strategy in the region.
According to the UK government, the bases will only be used to help neutralise Iranian missile capabilities at their launch sites rather than support broader offensive actions.
The current conflict began on February 28 when the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran.
In response, Tehran has targeted US-linked assets and regional countries hosting American military facilities, including Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Iraq.
RAF Fairford, located near the border of Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, is one of the few European airbases capable of hosting heavy US bombers such as the B-52, B-1 and the B‑2 Spirit. Its location allows aircraft to reach Middle Eastern targets more efficiently than flying directly from the United States.
Meanwhile, the sudden surge in air activity has attracted aviation enthusiasts to the area. Local authorities say crowds gathering to watch the bombers have caused traffic and parking issues near the base.
Police in Gloucestershire said measures were being taken to keep access roads clear and urged visitors to park responsibly while observing the aircraft movements.
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