US military prepare explosive ordnance at UK air base

March 10, 2026

US military forces are actively preparing bombers and munitions at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire following authorization from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to use UK bases for strikes against Iranian missile installations. The deployment includes seven heavy bombers—three B-52s and four B-1 Lancers—which arrived at the base starting Friday, with personnel observed loading explosive ordnance as US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced an intensified bombing campaign. Starmer initially refused permission for offensive operations, causing friction with President Trump, but reversed his position in early March, limiting UK base usage to "defensive" purposes targeting Iranian missile sites.

Who is affected

US military personnel and ground crew at RAF Fairford
Iranian targets (missile sites)
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and the UK government
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
President Donald Trump
Israel (as US ally in joint operations)
Countries in the Middle East hosting US military bases and embassies (targeted by Iranian retaliation)
Local residents near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire/Wiltshire

What action is being taken

US military personnel and ground crew are preparing explosive ordnance and B-1 Lancer bombers at RAF Fairford
US military planes are stationed at RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia
Air activity has increased significantly at RAF Fairford
US forces are conducting strikes on Iran (described as happening "today" by Defense Secretary Hegseth)

Why it matters

This represents a significant escalation in US-Iran tensions, with the UK now providing logistical support for American military operations despite not directly participating in offensive strikes. The authorization marks a reversal of the British government's initial position and highlights the delicate balance between maintaining the US-UK alliance and avoiding direct involvement in Middle Eastern conflicts. RAF Fairford's use as a staging ground for heavy bomber operations demonstrates the strategic importance of UK military infrastructure for American power projection, while potentially increasing Britain's exposure to retaliatory threats from Iran.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC