The presence of US bomber jets at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire has reached the six-month mark, prompting renewed calls from campaigners for their withdrawal. The aircraft, including B-52s, B1 Lancers, and C-17A transport planes, first arrived in March amid escalating tensions between the US and Iran. A local pub landlord near the base has reported that the noise from these planes, including engine tests in the early hours, is a significant disturbance for the community.
RAF Fairford has a long history of hosting US military aircraft, dating back to an agreement made in 1948 during the Cold War, serving as a strategic location against Soviet forces in Europe. It has previously been used extensively during conflicts, such as Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003.
Despite its historical role, the current deployment has sparked controversy among local residents and campaign groups. Protests have been held since March, with concerns raised over both the political implications and the local environmental impact. The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) has criticised the ongoing use of RAF Fairford, describing the situation as “absolutely shocking” six months after the commencement of US and Israeli military actions against Iran.
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Sophie Bolt, CND’s General Secretary, stated: “It is absolutely shocking that six months into the illegal US/Israeli bombing of Iran, this devastating war is still continuing. This is only worsening the global economic situation. The British government’s permission to allow the US to use bases like Fairford and Diego Garcia has helped to prolong this disaster. It is also increasing the risks to the British population, with British bases like RAF Fairford now viewed as a legitimate target.”
Bolt added that diplomatic efforts on Iran’s nuclear programme had been close to resolution prior to US and Israeli intervention, which has now escalated threats to regional and global stability. She affirmed that CND and local group Fairford Action will continue protests until the UK government ends its support for the conflict, urging that shutting down these bases could promote peace and mitigate economic fallout.
Beyond the political discourse, practical concerns remain. The landlady of a pub in Kempsford, on the outskirts of RAF Fairford, described the noise as particularly disruptive, especially during early morning hours when engine tests occur. She also expressed safety concerns about increased plane spotting activity, which had previously led to hazardous situations near busy roads.
She remarked on uncertainties around the duration of US deployment, mentioning a belief that US aircraft were authorised to use the base for 60 days before requiring Congressional approval, noting the situation as “weird” and hoping for a resolution.
Below, a detailed timeline outlines key events over the six months since the US forces arrived at RAF Fairford.