Reports suggest that American stealth bombers are poised to arrive at U.K. military bases soon, joining the U.S.-Israel efforts against Iran. This development comes as tensions in the region escalate.
The Telegraph, referencing unnamed senior Western officials, indicated on Wednesday that preparations are underway at both Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean and RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire to accommodate the B-2 Spirit stealth bombers. These bombers, valued at an astounding $2 billion each, hold the title of the world’s most expensive aircraft.
The anticipated arrival of these bombers at U.K. bases is expected to occur within days, as the United States ramps up its military activities in the area, according to the report.
Earlier, Fox News Digital had reported that the U.S. military deployed stealth B-2 bombers on February 28 to target Iranian ballistic missile facilities, marking the commencement of Operation Epic Fury.
Diego Garcia, a crucial base in the Indian Ocean, hosts approximately 2,500 U.S. military personnel, highlighting its strategic importance.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that B-2 stealth bombers, armed with 2,000-pound bombs, successfully targeted Iranian “hardened” ballistic missile sites, emphasizing the ongoing military efforts.
The U.S. was cleared to use British bases for limited strikes on Iran’s missile capabilities on Feb. 29 after Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed off on the plan, and while U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey stated Britain had “stepped up alongside the Americans.”
Starmer said the authorization was granted to protect U.K. and U.S. allies as the conflict escalated. He had previously said he would not allow American forces to use U.K. bases for offensive operations in the region.
Tensions have since been heightened in the U.K. by security incidents in Cyprus. RAF Akrotiri, a key British military base on the island, was struck by a suspected drone on March 2, causing minor damage.
Several B-2 Spirit Stealth Bombers are seen on a runway at the Whiteman Air Force Base. (Whiteman Air Force Base)
The unmanned aircraft was reported to resemble an Iranian-made Shahed drone, similar to models used by Russia in Ukraine and by Tehran’s regional proxies.
The Ministry of Defense said force-protection measures were at the “highest level” and that the base had taken steps to defend personnel. About 4,000 service members and their families are based at RAF Akrotiri.
The U.S. State Department raised its travel advisory for Cyprus to Level 3, urging Americans to reconsider travel because of the threat of armed conflict and limited consular assistance in parts of the country.
Non-emergency embassy staff and family members were authorized to leave. Officials said the advisory change reflected adjustments in embassy operations rather than a direct change in underlying risk.
President Donald Trump blasted British Prime Minister Keir Starmer March 3, 2026, saying “this is not Winston Churchill we are dealing with,” amid a lack of support for the United States’ and Israel’s joint military operation against Iran. (Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA/Bloomberg via Getty Images ; PA Images via Getty Images ; Jonathan Brady/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Trump had called Britain “uncooperative” and slammed Starmer as “not Winston Churchill” after Starmer initially rebuffed a U.S. request to use U.K. bases to attack Iran, according to The Associated Press.
Trump has also condemned Britain’s agreement to hand over the Chagos Islands, home to the Diego Garcia base, to Mauritius.
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