American stealth bombers may soon land at British air bases as the B-2 Bombers deployment expands U.S. military operations tied to the conflict involving Iran. Reports indicate the aircraft could arrive within days as Washington strengthens coordination with allies in the region.
According to The Telegraph, citing unnamed senior Western officials, air bases at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean and RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire are preparing for the arrival of the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber. The aircraft, valued at roughly $2 billion, is widely described as the world’s most expensive military plane. Officials told the outlet the bombers are expected to arrive “in a matter of days.”
The deployment follows recent U.S. military action targeting Iranian missile infrastructure. On Feb. 28, the U.S. launched Operation Epic Fury, using B-2 stealth bombers equipped with 2,000-pound bombs to strike Iranian ballistic missile facilities. U.S. Central Command confirmed the aircraft hit Iranian “hardened” missile sites during the operation.
British approval for the use of its bases came shortly afterward. Prime Minister Keir Starmer authorized limited use of U.K. bases for operations targeting Iran’s missile capabilities on Feb. 29. U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey said Britain had “stepped up alongside the Americans.” Starmer stated the decision aimed to protect both British and American allies as tensions escalated.
The move followed criticism from President Trump after Britain initially resisted allowing American forces to use the bases. Trump reportedly described Britain as “uncooperative” and said Starmer was “not Winston Churchill” after the initial refusal.
Regional tensions remain elevated. On March 2, RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus sustained minor damage after a suspected drone strike. The aircraft reportedly resembled an Iranian-made Shahed drone similar to those used by Russia in Ukraine and by Iranian-backed groups.
The British Ministry of Defense said force-protection measures are at the “highest level,” while the U.S. State Department raised its Cyprus travel advisory to Level 3, urging Americans to reconsider travel due to the threat of armed conflict.
