The United States Air Force has deployed three B-52 Stratofortress strategic bombers to a Royal Air Force base in Gloucestershire, marking the first arrival of the aircraft there since the start of Operation Epic Fury. The deployment also includes other long-range bombers, such as three B-1 Lancer aircraft. The B-52 bombers, which have been used in operations over Iran, can travel 8,800 miles without refueling and carry more than 30 tons of weapons.

In service since 1955, the B-52 has played major roles in conflicts including the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Despite their age, the aircraft have been upgraded with new engines and are expected to remain operational into the 2050s.

The deployment follows a shift in policy by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who had initially refused to allow the United States to conduct bombing missions from bases in the United Kingdom, citing international law. After criticism from President Donald Trump, Starmer agreed to permit operations for specific and limited defensive purposes. Trump publicly rebuked Starmer’s initial stance and said the United States did not require British aircraft carrier support in the Middle East.