Downing Street has insisted British airbases are safe and their security is a top priority after US Air Force aircraft were moved from RAF Mildenhall amid al alleged threat from Iran.
The Wall Street Journal initially said two air-to-air refuelling tankers based at the airbase in Suffolk had been flown to Germany, with several more being sent theer later in the day.
Further reports have now said nine tankers were redeployed to bases across the UK, Germany and Spain, with three Osprey tilt-rotot aircraft moved to nearby RAF Lakenheath.
The exact nature of the supposed threat is unknown and remains under discussion among US officials, according to the US media outlet.
The development comes weeks after a suspected Iran-related terror incident near RAF Fairford prompted Washington to withdraw its B-1 bombers.
Protection a top priority
When asked if contact had been made with the US about the safety of the aircraft, the Prime Minister's spokesman said: "We're in constant communication with them, sharing intelligence and assessing threats together.
"Aircraft and other assets move regularly according to operational requirements. It would be for the US to comment on those movements.
"The protection of our bases, both in the UK and across the world, is a top priority."
And when he was asked whether the Government maintained that British bases were safe, he simply replied: "Yes."
An MOD spokesperson added: "We do not routinely comment on the activity of other nations.
"Aircraft and other assets move regularly according to operational requirements."
Investment needed in basic protection work
Responding to a question from Sky News regarding the threat posed by Iran and whether the UK could guarantee the safety of US forces stationed at British bases, Defence Readiness & Industry Minister Luke Pollard's response was guarded.
"So it is a decision for the United States where they place their military assets, just as it is a decision for the United Kingdom, where we place our military assets," he said.
"We know that we live in a more dangerous world where the number of threats are increasing, and that's why we're investing more in capabilities to defend ourselves and defend our allies at the same time."
He explained that it was not just new capabilities, such as uncrewed surface vehicles or autonomous helicopters, that the UK needs, but an investment in counter-drone technology and more "basic protection work".
Mr Pollard added that the US remains the UK's closest defence partner.
RAF Mildenhall
The airbase hosts the 100th Air Refuelling Wing, which serves as the sole permanent US refuelling wing in the European combat zone.
About 3,000 military personnel are stationed at the base, who operate aircraft including the KC-135 Stratotanker and the CV-22 Osprey.
Join Our Newsletter
