U.S. Moves UK-Based Tankers to Germany Amid Iran Threat
Force protection levels at two RAF bases have been raised to Charlie following the relocation of the aircraft.
By Arjun Weber ·
U.S. military refueling tankers stationed at RAF Mildenhall in the United Kingdom have been relocated to a base in Germany. A source familiar with the matter stated the move was driven by an unspecified threat from Iran.
Security protocols at RAF Mildenhall and the nearby RAF Lakenheath were simultaneously raised to Force Protection Condition Charlie, according to the same source. This heightened alert level indicates a credible threat to personnel and facilities at both locations.
A U.S. official told ABC News that the department takes "proactive measures" to keep aircraft, staff, and installations safe and secure. The Wall Street Journal first reported on the rationale behind the aircraft movement, while The War Zone broke the news regarding the elevated security postures.
A U.S. Air Force spokesperson said in a statement that aircraft rotate between bases for training and operational reasons. The spokesperson noted that U.S. military aircraft operate under access and overflight agreements with allies. The service declined to provide further details on the asset movement due to operations security.
The current security measures follow a similar incident in September at RAF Fairford. An alleged Iranian security threat at that base prompted the redeployment of B-1 bombers back to the United States in October.
Seven men were initially detained during the September investigation at RAF Fairford. All were later released, but prosecutors subsequently charged two of the men under the UK National Security Act. Authorities alleged that one of the two likely attempted to assist Iranian intelligence inside the United Kingdom.
