US removes all Air Force bombers from RAF Fairford

The US Air Force has removed all of its bombers from RAF Fairford, it has revealed.

The Gloucestershire air base was the target of a suspected terror attack on 27 September. Five UK nationals in their mid-20s were arrested on suspicion of explosives offences and terrorism close to the military site.

They have since been bailed, as has a UK-Iranian national who was arrested on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts on 1 October.

A Pentagon official confirmed the removal of the US Air Force's bombers, including B-1s, B-2s, and B-52s, on Sunday.

"US Air Force bombers routinely operate around the world to support global force readiness and operational requirements," a statement read.

"While operational security precluded us from confirming the movement of our assets and forces in real-time, we can acknowledge now that all US bombers that were deployed to RAF Fairford have redeployed to their home stations in the United States.

"The Airmen that operate America's bomber force, including B-1s, B-2s, and B-52s, remain ready to deliver precision global strike capabilities - including through operations that launch and recover from the continental United States - anywhere, anytime."

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RAF Fairford is an important base for US military operations. It acts as the headquarters for the US 501st Combat Support Wing and the 420th Air Base Squadron, according to the unit's website.

It serves as "the preferred bomber forward operating location in Europe for US Air Force Global Strike Command".

In March, a number of US B-1 Lancer bombers arrived at the military base as part of US operations after launching the Iran war.

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(c) Sky News 2026: US removes all Air Force bombers from RAF Fairford