At Least 21 U.S. Bombers Are Flying out of the United Kingdom for the Iran War
While the United Kingdom has been reticent to fully become a combat partner with the United States during the war in Iran, it is allowing its air bases to house American strategic bombers at its military installations.
There are at least 21 large strike airplanes in England. Fifteen B-1B Lancer bombers have a temporary home in Britain along with six B-52 Stratofortress bombers.
A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer aircraft assigned to the 7th Bomb Wing is parked on the flightline at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, Dec. 25, 2025. U.S. military forces are deployed to the Caribbean in support of the U.S. Southern Command mission, Department of War-directed operations, and the president’s priorities to disrupt illicit drug trafficking and protect the homeland. (U.S. Air Force photo)
Big Boost to the U.S. Effort in the War
This is a potent attack force, and the airplanes have been busy during Operation Epic Fury. But what a journey they have to take to strike Iran. It is nearly 3,500 miles to take out targets there.
The U.S Air Force airplanes are stationed at RAF Fairford outside of Swindon in the southwestern portion of the United Kingdom.
Eagle-eyed investigators working in open-source intelligence have examined publicly available satellite images.
Additionally, people have reviewed airplane communications and flight tracking data to determine that the airplanes are being used to attack Iran, according to National Interest.
B-1B Lancer. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
What About B-2 Bombers?
It is not believed that RAF Fairford has B-2 Spirit bombers. These stealth aircraft are traveling from the United States to Iran and back, covering 14,000 miles with aerial refueling.
Sometimes, the B-2s have been flown from Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands, which is about 2,500 miles from Iran.
Tehran can launch some missiles as far as Diego Garcia, so there is a potential threat there. When U.S. bombers are based in England, friendly forces do not have to worry about being hit by enemy fire.
B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber 19FortyFive Photo. Taken by Harry J. Kazianis back in July 2025.
It’s a Good Thing There Is Air Superiority
The U.S. military has targeted approximately 9,000 locations during Operation Epic Fury.
The bombers are not stealth aircraft and are typically not used on the first or second day of conflict, so the United States and Israel have achieved sufficient air superiority to allow these older airplanes to fly missions.
More About the B-1B
About 75 percent of operational B-1Bs in the Air Force fleet are based in the United Kingdom. The B-1B was first assigned to an operational squadron in 1986. It is a large airplane, measuring 146 feet long with a payload capacity of 75,000 pounds.
It can fly at altitudes up to 60,000 feet. The range is 3,000 miles. The B-1B can carry a substantial load of armaments, including 2,000-pound JDAMs and 5,000-pound guided bombs. The Lancer is surprisingly fast, reaching speeds above MACH 1.
B-52 Specs Are Like No Other
The B-52 is subsonic, with a top speed of 650 miles per hour and a maximum altitude of 50,000 feet. The Stratofortress is a strategic bomber capable of dropping nuclear weapons. The B-52 has a distinguished combat history, serving in many wars.
For example, it accounted for 40 percent of all the weapons used during Operation Desert Storm. Missions can be focused on destroying ships and even laying mines.
The B-52 can take off with a total weight of 488,000 pounds. It has a maximum range of 8,800 miles. When refueled in flight, it can stay airborne for over 72 hours with a 70,000-pound payload. The B-52 can carry bombs, missiles, and sea mines, including 84 500-pound or 42 750-pound bombs. It can also drop the 2,000-pound GBU-31 bunker-busting JDAM. These have been used to destroy Iranian nuclear infrastructure, missile launch, and production facilities.
British Domestic Political Pressures
Britain has sometimes been an unwilling ally with the United States. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been reticent about joining the war. Starmer has said England, “mustn’t fall into the false comfort that there will be a quick and early end.”
The Onus Is on the United States – Not Britain
He has also said that Operation Epic Fury is not “our war” and that there is no lawful basis for the United Kingdom to join any kind of coalition with the United States, according to the BBC. Starmer also said he wants a “swift de-escalation” of the war and hopes President Donald Trump will help reach a peace agreement soon.
A B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 419th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards Air Force Base, California, departs for an evening test mission over the Mojave Desert. The B-52H test fleet is in high demand, testing a variety of advanced capabilities for the joint-force. The 412th Test Wing will soon begin developmental test work on new avionics, radar, and engines as part of the B-52J effort, allowing the Stratofortress to serve the warfighter into the 2050’s. (Air Force photo by Todd Schannuth)
Aircrew members board a B-52H Stratofortress prior to taking off in support of Operation Epic Fury, March 4, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo)
This is a curious development for the United Kingdom-United States relationship. The British are allowing airplanes to fly from bases within their country, but there are no plans for other types of assistance.
What Is the Conflict Between Trump and Starmer
This development has frustrated President Donald Trump, who is looking for more NATO action to keep the Strait of Hormuz open. Starmer could be upset that the Americans did not contact him before the war started.
The British are correct that the war is one of choice, with no connection to the country, but Starmer’s comments could be more supportive.
The Special Relationship Has Been Stronger
It is not clear whether this is because the prime minister dislikes Trump personally or has disdain for his politics. It will be interesting to see if the two countries can get along. The “special relationship” has seen better days.
However, it is a good development that the bombers can be based in Britain. This allows for better U.S. strike capability.
But the war’s duration will influence this. Britain might decide that an open-ended commitment in a new “forever war” isn’t desirable.
B-52 Bomber. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
Trump has expressed hope for a peaceful outcome, but there is a chance of ground troops—which Starmer will likely condemn—and that could impact the stationing of U.S. bombers in England.
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About the Author: Dr. Brent M. Eastwood
Author of now over 3,000 articles on defense issues, Brent M. Eastwood, PhD, is the author of Don’t Turn Your Back On the World: A Conservative Foreign Policy and Humans, Machines, and Data: Future Trends in Warfare, plus two other books. Brent was the founder and CEO of a tech firm that predicted world events using artificial intelligence. He served as a legislative fellow for US Senator Tim Scott, advising the senator on defense and foreign policy issues. He has taught at American University, George Washington University, and George Mason University. Brent is a former US Army Infantry officer. He can be followed on X @BMEastwood.
