US Stealth Bombers Expected at UK Bases Within Days, Report Says

American stealth bombers are expected to arrive at British military bases within days as part of the ongoing U.S.-Israel campaign against Iran, according to senior Western officials cited by The Telegraph.

The B-2 Spirit stealth bombers—valued at approximately $2 billion each and considered the world’s most expensive aircraft—will reportedly land at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, England, and at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean “in a matter of days.” This deployment signals a significant escalation in U.S. military operations in the Middle East.

This deployment follows the U.S. military’s use of B-2 bombers on February 28 to strike Iranian ballistic missile facilities as part of Operation Epic Fury. During those strikes, the bombers were equipped with 2,000-pound bombs targeting what U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) described as “hardened” ballistic missile sites in Iran.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer granted authorization for U.S. forces to use British bases for limited strikes against Iran’s missile capabilities on February 29. Defense Secretary John Healey stated that Britain had “stepped up alongside the Americans” in the operation. Starmer justified the decision as necessary to protect both U.K. and U.S. allies amid escalating regional tensions, despite previously stating he would not permit American forces to use British bases for offensive operations in the region.

The military collaboration has not been without consequences. RAF Akrotiri, a strategically important British military base in Cyprus, was struck by a suspected drone on March 2, causing minor damage. Reports indicate the unmanned aircraft resembled an Iranian-made Shahed drone, similar to those used by Russia in Ukraine and by Tehran’s regional proxies.

In response to the incident, the U.K. Ministry of Defense elevated force-protection measures to the “highest level” at the Cyprus base, which houses approximately 4,000 service members and their families. Simultaneously, the U.S. State Department raised its travel advisory for Cyprus to Level 3, urging Americans to reconsider travel to the country due to the threat of armed conflict and limited consular assistance. Non-emergency embassy staff and family members were authorized to depart.

The Anglo-American cooperation on Iran comes after a period of tension between the two allies. Former President Donald Trump had publicly criticized Britain as “uncooperative” and disparaged Starmer by saying he was “not Winston Churchill” after the Prime Minister initially declined a U.S. request to use U.K. bases for operations against Iran. Trump has also voiced opposition to Britain’s agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, which includes the Diego Garcia base, to Mauritius.

The deployment of B-2 bombers represents a significant show of force in the region. These advanced aircraft, known for their stealth capabilities and ability to penetrate sophisticated air defense systems, would provide the U.S.-Israel coalition with enhanced strike capabilities against Iranian targets.

Military analysts note that the B-2’s involvement signals that the U.S. is prepared to target deeply buried or heavily fortified Iranian facilities that might be impervious to conventional munitions. The aircraft’s range and payload capacity also give military planners flexibility in designing future operations against Iranian military infrastructure.

The evolving situation underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East and the delicate balance Western powers must maintain in their military responses to Iranian aggression while attempting to prevent further regional destabilization.