U.S. Reportedly Moves Aircraft From RAF Mildenhall After Iranian Threat

The United States reportedly moved an aircraft out of RAF Mildenhall in Britain on Monday evening, November 9, following an Iranian threat. The people cited in the report did not describe the nature of the threat. A U.S. official separately confirmed on Monday afternoon that security had been increased at Mildenhall and nearby RAF Lakenheath. “Enhanced force protection measures are in effect across RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall,” the official said. The official said protective measures were assessed against multiple factors to safeguard the installations, personnel and their families, and declined to identify individual measures on operational-security grounds. American officials were coordinating with British counterparts to protect personnel and families while limiting the effects on surrounding communities. U.S. Air Forces in Europe–Air Forces Africa separately said aircraft rotate between installations to meet training and operational requirements. The command said American aircraft operate under access, basing and overflight agreements with allies and partners; it declined to provide additional details about aircraft movements, citing operational security. Mildenhall hosts the 100th Air Refueling Wing, which operates KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft. Lakenheath hosts F-15E Strike Eagle and F-35A Lightning II aircraft. Both bases also receive aircraft passing through on their way to other destinations.