Two more US aircraft arrive at RAF Fairford

"Two Boeing C-17 Globemaster transportation planes landing at the airbase in Gloucestershire, days after B-1 Lancer bombers arrived. One of the C-17s arrived from Glasgow Prestwick airport, after it was redirected there because of poor weather and visibility at Fairford. The BBC reported that the aircraft was carrying munitions and spare parts for the bombers."

"Keir Starmer has allowed the US to use UK bases for specific defensive operations. His change in stance came after British allies and the RAF base at Akrotiri, Cyprus, were subject to retaliatory attacks in the last week. A hanger at the Cypriot airbase was damaged by an Iranian-made drone believed to have been launched by the Tehran-backed militia group Hezbollah in Lebanon."

"The UK shot down a drone launched from Iran that was heading towards Iraq on Saturday night. The MoD said RAF Typhoons and F-35 jets had flown defensive missions in the region. A Merlin helicopter, which can carry out surveillance work, is due to arrive shortly."

Two US Air Force C-17 Globemaster transport planes landed at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, carrying munitions and spare parts for B-1 Lancer bombers already stationed there. One aircraft was redirected from Glasgow Prestwick due to poor weather. The UK authorized US base access for defensive operations following Iranian retaliatory attacks on British allies and RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. RAF Typhoons and F-35 jets conducted defensive missions after shooting down an Iranian drone. Prime Minister Keir Starmer approved the deployment, and the Royal Navy is deploying HMS Dragon, a destroyer with air defence capabilities, to the region. A Merlin helicopter providing early warning surveillance is also arriving.

Read at www.theguardian.com