Iran Threat Triggers US Aircraft Relocation from Key UK Airbase RAF Mildenhall : Report

New Delhi: The effect of the ongoing tension between Iran and America is now visible on the American military bases in Europe. The US Army has shifted its planes from a major airbase in Britain to another place. This step has been taken after receiving intelligence information regarding a possible threat from Iran. There are reports of American planes being sent to other places including Germany. The special thing is that this is the second American military base in Britain in the last few weeks, where planes have been removed amid security concerns. This development has raised new concerns about the security of military establishments of America and Britain. 

American aircraft were removed from which airbase?

The US Army has relocated its aircraft from Britain's Royal Air Force (RAF) Mildenhall Airbase. According to The Wall Street Journal report, on Monday morning, two American refuelling tankers operating from this airbase were sent towards Germany. During the day several other tankers stationed there were also diverted to Germany and other locations. This information has come to light quoting flight tracking data and officials familiar with the matter.

However, it would not be correct to call this an action to evacuate the entire airbase. The reports specifically talk about changing the deployment of American aircraft. US officials are still discussing whether the threat to Mildenhall is related to the immediate attack or part of a broader security threat. 

Why was security increased at American military bases?

In view of the possible threat from Iran, the security arrangements of two American military bases in Britain, RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath, have also been tightened. According to American officials, the security level here has been increased to Force Protection Condition (FPCON) Charlie. This is the second-highest alert level of the US Department of Defence security system. It is implemented when intelligence information strengthens the possibility of some kind of terrorist action or attack.

Were American bombers removed from British airbases before?

Earlier in September, a suspicious security incident had come to light at Britain's RAF Fairford airbase. After this, America withdrew its B-1 bombers deployed there. In this case, five people were arrested outside the airbase during September. Two other people were later arrested on suspicion of helping Iranian intelligence agencies.

American officials feared that a conspiracy could be hatched to attack this airbase through drones or target American pilots and planes. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham also expressed fear last month that this activity might be coordinated with Iran. However, Tehran has denied any role in the conspiracy related to the airbase. 

What did America and Britain say?

The US Air Force has refrained from commenting on the specific reasons for moving the planes. According to its spokesperson, military aircraft are regularly sent between different bases as per operational requirements. Britain's Defence Ministry also said it does not generally comment on the military activities of other countries and that the movement of aircraft and other military assets is based on operational needs.

Meanwhile, US officials remain challenged to assess the true nature of the threat from Iran. The action to remove aircraft from RAF Mildenhall has come at a time when efforts to negotiate an end to the war between the US and Iran are also underway.