Downing Street has reaffirmed that RAF Fairford remains a secure facility, following confirmation from the Pentagon that all American bombers have been relocated from the Gloucestershire base. The withdrawal, reported to involve approximately a dozen B-1 Lancer aircraft returning to their home stations in the United States, comes in the wake of a counter-terrorism inquiry at the airbase.
The decision to remove the aircraft was reportedly driven by a new security threat. This move follows a significant incident on 27 September, when authorities were alerted to three suspicious vehicles near the airfield. In response, five men were arrested on suspicion of terrorism offenses and later released on bail. A sixth suspect, a UK-Iranian national, was also detained and subsequently released under similar conditions.
A spokesperson for the Prime Minister declined to discuss specific foreign military operations but emphasized the safety of the site. The spokesperson highlighted recent comments by US President Donald Trump, who commended British police, defense, and security services regarding their handling of the situation at the base.
Additionally, the statement referenced remarks made last week by Defence Secretary Wes Streeting, who noted that the UK employs proven strategies to protect its military installations both domestically and abroad.
While Whitehall sources have not officially disputed reports linking the bomber removal to the incident in Gloucestershire, they indicated that the decision was a military, rather than political, one. It was understood to be an operational choice made at the US military level and communicated directly to British counterparts. The incident at RAF Fairford continues to be investigated by counter-terror police.
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