The US Air Force has sent three B-52 Stratofortress bombers to the UK, the first time the aircraft type has arrived there since the onset of Operation Epic Fury, the Telegraph reported on Monday.
The strategic bombers landed at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on Monday, following the arrival of other long-range bombers at the base over the weekend, including three B-1 Lancer aircraft.
The B-52s, which have already been used in operations over Iran, have a combat range of 8,800 miles without the need for aerial refueling, allowing them to strike Iran directly from US mainland bases. Each B-52 is capable of carrying over 30 tons of ordnance.
Since entering service in 1955, the B-52 has become a cornerstone of US air power. The aircraft played a significant role in the Vietnam War and was also crucial during the Gulf War and the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
Despite their decades-long service, America's B-52 fleet, now equipped with new Rolls-Royce engines, remains operational and is expected to remain in use until the 2050s.
Change in UK policy
The bombers' arrival follows a shift in British policy, as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer reversed his previous opposition to the US conducting bombing missions from RAF bases.
Initially, the UK denied Washington’s request, citing international law, which drew criticism from the White House. Starmer later agreed to permit US operations for “specific and limited defensive purposes.”
US President Donald Trump criticized Starmer for his initial refusal, claiming the British leader was "not Winston Churchill" and that his hesitation forced US pilots to endure "many extra hours" of flight.
Trump further stated that the US did not need the UK to send aircraft carriers to the Middle East, the comment coming after reports that the Royal Navy was preparing HMS Prince of Wales, one of its two aircraft carriers, for potential deployment.