Several US military aircraft have landed at RAF bases in the United Kingdom in recent days, adding to growing international uncertainty following Washington’s latest interventions involving Venezuela and Greenland under President Donald Trump.
According to flight tracking data and plane spotters, multiple C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft and AC-130J Ghostrider gunships have been observed in England since Saturday.
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed to The Independent that Britain had provided “pre-planned operational support, including basing, to US military assets” ahead of the seizure of the Marinera oil tanker earlier this week. However, officials declined to comment on any operational details.
RAF Bases in Suffolk and Gloucestershire Involved
The aircraft were seen arriving at several RAF bases in Suffolk and Gloucestershire, facilities jointly operated by the United States and the United Kingdom. These include:
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RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire
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RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk
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RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk
Defence outlet The War Zone reported that 10 C-17 Globemaster flights departed the US for Europe on 3 January, with some landing at RAF Fairford. At least two AC-130J Ghostriders touched down at RAF Mildenhall on Sunday, with additional aircraft believed to have arrived later.
Footage shared on social media and cited by The Times also showed US aviators training with Osprey aircraft at Fairford earlier this week.
Linked to Venezuelan Oil Tanker Seizure
The arrival of US aircraft coincided with an American military pursuit of the Marinera oil tanker, which was seized while passing through the Atlantic.
The vessel — formerly known as Bella 1 — had been re-registered under a Russian flag after previously evading capture in the Caribbean. At the time of its seizure, the tanker was reportedly near UK waters.
In recent days, the US, UK, France and Ireland all deployed surveillance aircraft to monitor the ship. Reports also indicated that Russia dispatched a naval escort to support the tanker amid fears it could be intercepted.
Two US officials told CBS News that American forces preferred to seize the vessel rather than sink it, underscoring the seriousness of the operation.
Aftermath of Raid on Venezuela and Greenland Threats
The developments come just days after US forces reportedly seized former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro in a surprise operation on Saturday night — a move that sent shockwaves through global diplomatic circles.
Since then, President Trump has issued threats toward multiple countries and territories, reviving controversial ambitions to take control of Greenland due to its strategic Arctic position and mineral wealth.
The White House stated that “the military is always an option” in achieving Trump’s goals regarding the territory, prompting swift backlash across Europe.
Europe Pushes Back
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, alongside Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and leaders from France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain, released a joint statement on Tuesday firmly rejecting US claims.
“Greenland belongs to its people,” the leaders said, stressing that decisions regarding the territory rest solely with Denmark and Greenland.
Meanwhile, UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy is expected to hold talks with US Vice President JD Vance on Thursday, as diplomatic tensions between Europe and the Trump administration continue to escalate.
A Rapidly Shifting Global Landscape
With military movements across Europe, heightened naval operations, and sharp rhetoric from Washington, analysts warn the world is entering a period of heightened geopolitical instability — one where military signalling and strategic positioning are once again dominating international relations.
