B-52s arrive at UK air base amid conflict with Iran

Three more US bombers have landed in the UK after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer approved “defensive” US action against Iranian missile sites from UK bases.

The B-52 bombers that arrived at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire earlier measure 160ft (49m) and are capable of launching missiles more than 1,500 miles (2414km).

After granting the US permission to use RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, the prime minister told MPs the government “does not believe in regime change from the skies”.

Air activity has increased significantly at RAF Fairford in the last 72 hours, with the United States putting in some of its heavy-duty bomber forces.

The B‑52, piloted by a crew of five, is one of the US Air Force’s longest‑serving and most versatile heavy bombers and can carry up to 70,000 pounds (31,751kg) of mixed weapons.

It first flew in 1952, yet remains a core part of the United States’ strategic power today due to its capacity, long range, and flexibility.

The prime minister added the US would use UK bases for the “specific and limited defensive purpose” of destroying Iran’s missiles “at source”.

The US and Israel began attacking Iran early on 28 February, with President Trump encouraging the Iranian people to remove the country’s government.

The Iranian regime has responded with attacks on US assets and countries in the region with a US military presence – including Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Iraq.

Sir Keir had said UK aircraft were “in the sky” in the Middle East as part of a defensive operation to protect its allies and citizens in the region, but said the UK “played no role” in the strikes.