RAF Fairford theories swirl as drone attack 'plan' compared to Ukraine tactics
RAF Fairford theories swirl as drone attack 'plan' compared to Ukraine tactics US officials feared Iran could be planning an attack similar to Ukraine's Operation Spider's Web in 2025, according to reports. Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source By James Knuckey 07:30, Wed, Oct 7, 2026 Updated: 07:31, Wed, Oct 7, 2026 US B-1 bomber departs RAF Fairford on Sunday (Image: Getty) US bombers were quickly moved out of RAF Fairford after intelligence suggesting Iran was plotting a drone attack, it is claimed. American officials reportedly feared Iran could be planning an attack similar to Ukraine’s audacious Operation Spider’s Web. The mission, in June last year, saw Ukraine target dozens of bombers at bases deep inside Russia after smuggling more than 100 drones into the country on lorries. The drones were then remotely launched from the vehicles, hitting 41 aircraft and destroying “at least” 13, according to Ukrainian intelligence. The US removed all of its bombers, believed to be about a dozen B-1s, from RAF Fairford on Sunday. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Donald Trump said 'some threats' led to the US withdrawing its bombers from RAF Fairford (Image: Getty) Get the day's biggest headlines in UK and World news and more I would like to receive emails from the Daily Express featuring our latest products, services, offers, and promotions from across the Reach Plc family . Subscribe Invalid email You agree you are 18 or over. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. You can unsubscribe at any time. More Info . US officials said the attempted attack ordered by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) aimed to target the B-1s and kill American pilots at the Gloucestershire base, according to The Telegraph . Intelligence suggested a branch of the IRGC had recruited British nationals to carry out the attack. The plot reportedly included a diversion in a nearby village as part of a multi-pronged attack. On Monday, Donald Trump said there were “some threats” that led to Washington pulling its bombers out of the base. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio earlier sought to play down the withdrawal, suggesting it was a routine rotation. However, US Vice President JD Vance said the planes had been redeployed “out of an abundance of caution, trying to protect our guys”. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT B-1 bomber on the runway at RAF Fairford (Image: Getty) RAF Fairford had been hosting US bombers used in strikes against Iran. In July, Tehran said British bases used by American forces are “legitimate targets”. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Counter-terror police continue to investigate a suspected terror plot against the base last month, with a seventh man arrested . The 22-year-old British national was held on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts in Westminster, central London, on Tuesday, Counter-Terrorism Policing said. Six suspects have already been arrested and released on bail after three suspicious vans were stopped near RAF Fairford on Sunday September 27. USA Ukraine Defence Iran RAF Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments Unavailable Sorry, we are unable to accept comments about this article at the moment. However, you will find some great articles which you can comment on right now in our Comment section .