Military Aircraft Lands Safely After Declaring In-Flight Emergency

A US Air Force aircraft has landed safely after declaring an in-flight emergency in British airspace.

The KC-135 Stratotanker air-to-air refuelling aircraft had three US Air Force crew members on board when it experienced difficulties and was forced to return to base at RAF Mildenhall, Suffolk.

It had taken off from Mildenhall shortly after 7.30am on Wednesday.

Captain Lauren Ott, Chief of Public Affairs for the 100th Air Refuelling Wing at RAF Mildenhall, said the aircraft "declared an in-flight emergency after experiencing a minor mechanical issue while supporting local area flying".

She said: "Declaring an in-flight emergency is standard procedure in order to ensure the safety and security of the aircrew and aircraft.

"The KC-135 returned to base without incident.

"There were three US Air Force crew members on board."

No further details were given about the incident.