All articles tagged with #raf fairford
Britain says it stands ready 24/7 to defend itself after Iran called UK-hosted US bases legitimate targets, reaffirming that it allows US defensive operations from bases such as RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia while avoiding offensive actions; London emphasizes defending its people and allies under international law and not getting drawn into a broader conflict as US strikes Iran.
The 2026 Royal International Air Tattoo has been canceled after discussions with the RAF and USAF over access to RAF Fairford amid the Middle East conflict and Operation Epic Fury. A relocation for 2026 was not feasible, but RIAT27 is planned to return to RAF Fairford with fallback premises if the war continues. The event, which typically draws tens of thousands of visitors and features major fighter aircraft, has a history of cancellations in 2008, 2020, and 2021 (the 2021 edition went virtual).
Hundreds gathered near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire to protest US bomber flights linked to operations against Iran. The demonstration, organised by the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, urged an end to the Iran conflict and for the UK to stop hosting US bases, while roads near the base were closed and residents reported loud, disruptive aircraft noise.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reportedly blocked a US request to let American forces use UK bases—RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia—for a preemptive strike on Iran, saying such action could breach international law. The Times first reported the split, with the BBC, The Guardian and The Telegraph later corroborating. Traditionally, access to UK military bases for foreign operations is assessed case by case for legal and policy reasons, and this development comes as Washington signals potential military options in the region.