RAF Mildenhall has found itself at the centre of international attention after US tanker planes relocated from the Suffolk airbase following reports of a threat from Iran.
The base, near Mildenhall and Beck Row in west Suffolk, is one of the most significant United States military installations in Britain and plays an important role in American operations across Europe.
Here is everything you need to know about RAF Mildenhall, from the latest news and security concerns to its long history.
What is the latest news from RAF Mildenhall?
American military aircraft were moved from RAF Mildenhall on Monday, November 9, following reports of a threat from Iran.
Flight-tracking data indicated nine KC-135 Stratotankers and three CV-22 Ospreys left the base, with tankers heading to locations including Germany, Spain and Scotland and the Ospreys moving to nearby RAF Lakenheath.
The exact nature of the reported Iranian threat has not been publicly disclosed.
The Wall Street Journal also reported that security at RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath had been raised to Force Protection Condition Charlie, which is used when an incident occurs or intelligence indicates terrorist action or targeting is likely.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: “We do not routinely comment on the activity of other nations.
“Aircraft and other assets move regularly according to operational requirements.”
Downing Street has since insisted British airbases are safe and said the protection of bases in the UK and overseas is a "top priority", according to information shared with the EADT newsroom.
Where is RAF Mildenhall?
RAF Mildenhall is located close to the town of Mildenhall and the village of Beck Row in west Suffolk.
Despite retaining the RAF name, the station is predominantly used by the United States Air Force.
It is home to the 100th Air Refueling Wing, while the headquarters of United States Air Forces in Europe - United Kingdom is also based at Mildenhall.
The airbase is therefore an important part of the American military presence in Britain and the wider US-UK defence relationship.
What does RAF Mildenhall do?
One of RAF Mildenhall's most important roles is aerial refuelling.
Its KC-135 Stratotankers allow other US and allied military aircraft to refuel while airborne, extending the range and duration of missions.
The base supports US military operations in Europe and further afield and has also been used by senior American officials travelling to Britain.
Its importance goes beyond flying operations.
The USAFE-UK headquarters at Mildenhall acts as the US military's principal liaison with the UK Government on issues including airspace, logistics and international relations.
What is the history of RAF Mildenhall?
The history of the base stretches back almost a century.
Plans for a bomber station in the Mildenhall area emerged in the late 1920s amid concerns about a potential "continental threat".
The government bought land for the base in 1929 before construction began in October 1930.
Originally named RAF Beck Row, it became RAF Station Mildenhall in 1933 and officially opened on October 16, 1934.
King George V formally dedicated the station three days later, accompanied by Queen Mary, the Prince of Wales and Duke of York.
Its opening coincided with the famous MacRobertson England-to-Australia Air Race, which began at Mildenhall and attracted around 70,000 spectators.
What happened at RAF Mildenhall during the Second World War?
RAF Mildenhall became an important bomber base during the Second World War.
No. 99 Squadron became the first operational unit at the station in November 1934 and later operated Wellington bombers.
During the war, the station was used by RAF Bomber Command for operations against Germany.
Its role subsequently evolved dramatically with the arrival of American forces during the Cold War.
When did the Americans arrive at RAF Mildenhall?
RAF Mildenhall became a joint RAF-USAF operation in 1950 as the American military expanded its presence in Britain during the Cold War.
It went on to host Strategic Air Command aircraft before becoming increasingly associated with reconnaissance and air-refuelling missions.
U-2 reconnaissance aircraft and the famous SR-71 Blackbird were among the aircraft to operate from Mildenhall during the Cold War.
Today, the base remains operational and is one of the principal centres of the US Air Force presence in the UK.
Was RAF Mildenhall going to close?
The future of the base has not always been certain.
In 2015, the US Department of Defense announced plans to end operations at Mildenhall, with functions due to move to other bases including Spangdahlem in Germany.
However, after several years of uncertainty, the planned closure was abandoned in 2020.
The station has since continued to play its strategic role for US forces in Europe.
Has RAF Mildenhall faced security concerns before?
The latest reported Iran threat is not the first time security around Suffolk's American airbases has attracted international attention.
In late 2024, unexplained drones were repeatedly spotted around RAF Mildenhall, RAF Lakenheath and RAF Feltwell, as well as RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.
The incidents prompted increased scrutiny of the protection of US military installations in Britain.
More recently, the Ministry of Defence has committed hundreds of millions of pounds towards improving anti-drone and anti-missile defences.
What happens next at RAF Mildenhall?
Precisely what prompted the latest movement of American aircraft has not been publicly established.
The US Air Force has said aircraft rotate between installations and operating locations for reasons including training and "real-world requirements".
The situation means RAF Mildenhall, already one of Suffolk's most strategically important sites, is once again at the centre of a major international security story.
This page will be updated with the latest news, developments and stories from RAF Mildenhall.
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