The current force includes approximately 15 B-1B Lancers and six B-52H bombers stationed at the base in southwest England. Data from local observers, air traffic communications and flight tracking indicates that the B-1Bs alone represent about one-third of the aircraft type’s active fleet.
The United Kingdom has confirmed that U.S. bombers operating from RAF Fairford are being used to strike Iranian missile facilities. These operations form part of Operation Epic Fury, which began on February 28.
The use of RAF Fairford allows U.S. aircraft to reduce travel distance compared to missions flown from the continental United States. The base’s long runway is suited for heavy bombers and enables more efficient operational cycles.
The newly arrived aircraft are assigned to Ellsworth Air Force Base in North Dakota. Their movement was tracked using open-source flight data and confirmed through air traffic control communications using “Purse” callsigns.
The U.S. military has not officially commented on the number or role of bombers at RAF Fairford. However, aircraft movements and activities have been widely documented by local observers and aviation enthusiasts.
The U.S. Air Force operates 44 B-1B bombers, although only a portion are available at any given time due to maintenance and testing requirements. As of late 2024, the aircraft had a mission-capable rate of 47 percent, meaning the deployment at Fairford represents a significant share of operational assets.
The B-1B is the most heavily deployed aircraft in the current force and is capable of carrying the largest internal payload among U.S. bombers. It has been observed carrying Joint Direct Attack Munition guided bombs, which are widely used in current operations.
B-52 bombers at the base have been photographed carrying JASSM-variant standoff missiles. U.S. aircraft have also employed GBU-31 and GBU-72 guided bombs in the conflict, according to individuals familiar with the operations, though specific platforms were not disclosed.
Source: Air & Space Forces Magazine.
