The United States moved military aircraft out of RAF Mildenhall in England on Monday after a threat linked to Iran, the second time in recent weeks that American warplanes have been pulled from a British base over security fears. The RAF Mildenhall aircraft evacuation shows how seriously Washington takes warnings about its forces’ safety overseas.
FAKTA
- What happened: US aircraft were evacuated from RAF Mildenhall on Monday, 9 November 2026, after a threat from Iran.
- Aircraft moved: Two refuelling tankers diverted to Germany in the morning; several more moved elsewhere later in the day.
- Security level: RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath were raised to FPCON Charlie, used when intelligence indicates terrorist action is likely.
- Background: Last month, B-1 bombers left RAF Fairford for the US over an Iran-linked plot against American pilots and aircraft.
- Official response: A US Air Force spokesperson declined to give details, and the White House referred questions to the Pentagon.
- No attack confirmed: No strike, damage or casualties have been reported.
Tankers diverted to Germany
The Wall Street Journal first reported the move, citing people familiar with the matter. Two US refuelling tankers using Mildenhall diverted to Germany earlier on Monday morning, and several others were moved elsewhere later in the day, according to flight-tracking data and an official familiar with the matter. The precise nature of the threat, whether imminent or more general, remains under discussion among US officials.
A US Air Force spokesperson declined to detail the movement of assets but said US aircraft rotate between installations and operating locations for a variety of reasons. The White House referred a request for comment to the Pentagon.
A second withdrawal in weeks
The move follows the Pentagon’s decision last month to send B-1 bombers back to the United States from RAF Fairford, as officials grew concerned about a complex Iran-backed plot to kill American pilots and target aircraft using drones and other measures. The War Zone, a military news site, earlier reported the security changes at Mildenhall and Lakenheath.
Washington has been on heightened alert over threats to its personnel and assets. The Director of National Intelligence, Jay Clayton, said in October that Iran was in advanced stages of planning to target US personnel in the Middle East, prompting a sudden evacuation of diplomats from regional posts. Tehran has said its retaliation for any US attack on Iran would expand beyond the Middle East.
RAF Mildenhall aircraft evacuation: what remains unclear
Much about the incident is still unknown. The report did not say how many aircraft were evacuated, whether combat aircraft were involved, or where they were sent. It also did not clarify whether officials received a direct warning or acted on intelligence, or whether other US installations were warned.
American forces operate from several facilities across the United Kingdom, which support military operations and provide strategic access. Moving aircraft can reduce their exposure to attack. Further details remain unavailable. Read more international security coverage on Watan News.
