The pullout was sudden, with one Lancer returning to the U.S. only six days after arriving on a rotation. Since March 2026, the U.S. Air Force had deployed 29 B-1B and B-52H aircraft to the U.K. to support operations in the Iran war, completing 64 combat sorties and more than 190 training flights. The withdrawal coincides with a broader drop in CENTCOM resources, including aerial refueling tankers falling below 100 for the first time in seven months.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
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US Confirms All B-1 Bombers Left RAF Fairford Over Security Row
War16 days ago
The Trump administration decided to evacuate strategic air assets from Britain after officials clashed with London over the handling of a recent security breach at RAF Fairford. According to sources, Washington objected to the release on bail of six suspects arrested in connection with the incident and viewed British cooperation as inadequate. The Pentagon confirmed on Oct. 4 that the fleet of 12 B-1B Lancer bombers and other associated assets have since returned to their home stations in the United States.
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