US Likely to Use RAF Fairford for Defensive Strikes on Iran
The US is expected to utilize RAF Fairford as one of its bases for "defensive" strikes targeting Iranian missile sites, according to BBC sources.
Sir Keir Starmer announced on the previous night that the UK had consented to the US request. RAF Fairford, situated on the border between Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, has historically been used by the US for long-range heavy bombing missions.
This development follows the initiation of attacks on Iran by the US and Israel on Saturday, with President Donald Trump urging Iranians to remove their government. Sir Keir emphasized that the UK has "played no role" in the Middle East strikes.
"You can't avoid being drawn in if you're a country like the UK," said the former British ambassador to Iran.
What is RAF Fairford used for?
RAF Fairford has served multiple purposes since its opening in January 1944.
The United States Air Force (USAF) 501st Combat Support Wing manages and supports operations at the site, which is primarily used by USAF heavy bombers such as the B-1B Lancer, B-2A Spirit, and B-52H Stratofortress.
The base routinely supports Bomber Task Force operations.
Due to its extensive runway, RAF Fairford was the test centre for Concorde aircraft until 1977.
Every July, hundreds of thousands of visitors attend the Royal International Air Tattoo held at the site, recognized as the largest military air show globally.
How has RAF Fairford been used in wars?
During World War Two, the RAF's No.620 Squadron operated from RAF Fairford for airborne forces operations, including parachute drops of troops and supplies, as well as towing Airspeed Horsa assault gliders.
Troop carriers and gliders from Fairford were instrumental in the Normandy landings on 6 June 1944.
The base also facilitated the deployment of British troops for Operation Market Garden in the German-occupied Netherlands in September 1944.
During the Cold War, USAF Strategic Air Command units occupied Fairford and other RAF bases to establish a deterrent presence in Europe against the Soviet Union.
In the first Gulf War in 1991, bombers and tankers from Eaker Air Force Base in Arkansas were deployed from Fairford.
The station was also active during the Iraq War in 2003.
How is RAF Fairford being used now?
Reports last month indicated that the UK government had not authorized the US to use UK military bases for potential strikes on Iran.
However, on Sunday evening, the prime minister declared that British military bases would be employed for "defensive" strikes against Iran.
President Donald Trump stated it "may be necessary" to use RAF Fairford for operations if Iran "decides not to make a deal."
Following the US and Israel's attacks on Iran on Saturday, the Iranian regime retaliated by targeting US assets and allied countries in the region, including Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Iraq.
A British RAF base in Cyprus was also struck by a drone attack on Sunday night, with investigations ongoing to determine the origin of the attack.
How have locals reacted?
Rob Macaire, resident of Marlborough, Wiltshire, and former UK ambassador to Iran from 2018 to 2021, commented on the escalating tensions.
"It's looking increasingly likely the tension would reach the scale it has given the 'huge' build up and coordination between the US and Israel."
"I think when you get a military clash as serious and as large-scale as this you get into territories where it's completely unpredictable and no one can see where it's going to go," said Macaire.
"I think the government has done what you'd expect it to do which was to stay out of these initial attacks on Iran… but you can't avoid being drawn in if you're a country like the UK," he added.
"We have a lot of people in the Gulf, we have a lot of interest in the Gulf, we have military assets in the Gulf," said Macaire.
"When they come under attack, obviously there's a question of self defence, so I think the government has taken the steps you'd expect it to take at this stage."
Will Stone, MP for North Swindon, emphasized the importance of clarifying that RAF Fairford's use in the US-Israel conflict with Iran is for "a defensive purpose and not any offensive action."
"It's the difference between stopping [Iran] striking other places and striking at them," he said.
Stone noted the necessity of defending UK troops and families in the Middle East and Cyprus, as well as supporting allied countries.
He expressed hope for a swift resolution to the conflict.
"That would be the ideal situation for everybody to have a diplomatic solution which brings Iran around the table, ceasing their nuclear weapon programme," he added.
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