Overview
- AFP journalists on site estimate around six B-52s and 12 B-1s using the airfield with two to three daily departure-and-landing waves.
- The Ministry of Defence confirms the US can use British bases for specific defensive operations targeting Iran’s missile capabilities and will not provide running commentary.
- Privacy screens were installed on parts of the perimeter fence to restrict views, yet large sections remain open as crowds of plane‑spotters and protesters gather.
- An eyewitness on March 14 reported 16 aircraft on the ground at Fairford, including multiple B-52s and B-1s, with what he believed were bombs staged for loading.
- Flight-tracking showed a C-130H arriving from Ramstein on March 15, and residents reported additional military flights over Swindon on March 16.