Massive US Bomber Lands at UK Air Base
A massive Rockwell B-1 Lancer arrives at RAF Fairford as tensions with Iran grow, highlighting rising US military deployment.
A massive US bomber capable of carrying 24 cruise missiles has landed in the UK.
The 146ft (44.5m) B-1 Lancer arrived at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on Friday.
This comes after Sir Keir Starmer granted the US permission to use British military bases, but only for defensive strikes against Iranian missile sites.
Western officials said earlier this week that the UK is ready to receive the bombers and they are expected to arrive in the next few days.
The aircraft, operated by a crew of four, has a wingspan of 137ft (41.8m), weighs 86 tons, and according to Boeing, is the US Air Force's fastest bomber, with a speed of over 900mph (1,448.4km/h).
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Thursday that strikes on Iran are "going to escalate very rapidly."
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He said, "It's more fighter squadrons, it's more capabilities, it's more defensive capabilities. And it's more bomber pulses, more frequently."
As Iran increasingly targets Gulf countries in this conflict, Sir Keir spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Friday.
A Downing Street spokesperson confirmed that Sir Keir assured the Kingdom's de facto leader that the UK "stands ready to assist in the Kingdom's defense" if needed.
The Prime Minister said that "more British fighter jets, helicopters, and a destroyer are being sent to the region," the spokesperson said.
"The leaders also discussed enhancing intelligence cooperation to support defensive operations and protect civilians."
Regarding energy, the Crown Prince spoke about "steps taken by the Kingdom to increase global oil supply and support market stability," the spokesperson said. This US bomber, named "The Bone," has advanced radar and GPS systems to help it hit targets, as well as electronic jammers, radar warning systems, and a decoy system to protect it from enemies.
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RAF Fairford, located on the border of Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, has previously been used by the US to conduct long-range heavy bombing missions.
Although the UK has allowed the US to use British bases to conduct defensive strikes on facilities, it has not participated in these operations itself.
RAF jets have been shooting down missiles and drones fired by Iran at its allies in the region.
Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch said: "They need to do more than that, they need to stop the missile sites, you need to go to the source."
Badenoch has intensified his calls for the government to allow the RAF to strike Iranian missile launch sites.
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She said, "You can't always wait for people to attack you. Sometimes you have to make sure you get there first to prevent their ability to harm your citizens." She added that she doesn't want to see "troops on the ground."
Earlier on Friday, the Prime Minister's spokesman told reporters: "We have been very clear that our response is to allow the US limited, exclusive and defensive use of our bases to protect British lives, British interests and our allies in the region."
She added that UK forces are focusing on shooting down drones in the air, while the US is targeting missile launch sites in Iran.
"We have consistently said that we will take whatever steps are necessary to prevent future attacks, as we have decided this week, by requiring the US to destroy those missiles on the spot while we defend the skies."
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