Defense officials raised the readiness posture to Force Protection Condition Charlie at both RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath, indicating that terrorist activity is considered likely. The preemptive redeployments follow a September incident at RAF Fairford that led to multiple arrests over suspected ties to Iranian intelligence and prompted the removal of American B-1 bombers. Although Tehran denied involvement, its military previously declared facilities used for strikes against its territory to be legitimate targets.
Key points
American military facilities in the United Kingdom are facing heightened protection measu…: American military facilities in the United Kingdom are facing heightened protection measures due to assessed intelligence regarding potential Iranian hostile actions.
Iranian military leadership formally considers any overseas installations that host strik…: Iranian military leadership formally considers any overseas installations that host strike operations against Iran to be valid tactical targets.
Previous security breaches outside British airfields have prompted the United States to d…: Previous security breaches outside British airfields have prompted the United States to disperse vital air assets, including strategic bombers.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
The United States military has moved aircraft from a second airbase in the United Kingdom “in the wake of a threat from Iran”, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
Two US refuelling tankers and several other tankers that were using the RAF Mildenhall military base in eastern England diverted to Germany and other locations on Monday, the WSJ reported on Tuesday.
The report said the precise nature of the threat to RAF Mildenhall remains under discussion among US officials.
The US upgraded the security posture at RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath to Force Protection Condition (FPCON) Charlie, the WSJ report said, quoting a US official familiar with the matter.
FPCON Charlie is the second-highest defensive threat level in the US Department of Defense’s security system and occurs when intelligence indicates that a form of “terrorist” action is likely.
“We do not routinely comment on the activity of other nations,” a UK Ministry of Defence spokesperson said in a statement.
“Aircraft and other assets move regularly according to operational requirements.”
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