The United States is set to spend more than $4bn (£3bn) upgrading its military and spy bases across the UK, according to official documents that highlight the UK's role as a host for American nuclear weapons and covert operations.
Plans include nuclear storage at RAF Lakenheath
The construction plans include building new bunkers in Suffolk, seemingly for storing nuclear weapons, and modernising facilities to support covert units. The largest portion of funding, over $1.6bn, is earmarked for RAF Lakenheath, the largest US base in the UK, home to 6,000 personnel. Pentagon documents suggest this includes infrastructure for a nuclear arsenal, returning after nearly two decades. During the Cold War, the US stored nuclear weapons there; they were believed removed in 2008.
A further $1.1bn is allocated for RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk, where about 4,000 US personnel are stationed. The base played a key role in US-Israeli bombing missions on Iran this year, with tanker aircraft refueling bombers. Mildenhall also hosts covert special forces, and part of the funding will build facilities to house their aircraft for quicker crisis response.
Upgrades at RAF Fairford and Menwith Hill
Nearly $500m is to be spent at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, which has a nearly 2-mile long runway reinforced for heavy bombers like B-1 and B-52. The base was used for bombing raids on Iran this year, allowing bombers to take off from the UK instead of the US. The Pentagon will fund a new hangar complex and housing for additional aircrew.
The most secretive US base, Menwith Hill in Yorkshire, is part of a global electronic spying network. Its large white "golf balls" house equipment that intercepts communications as far as the Middle East. The US is spending $163m at Menwith Hill, though documents do not specify what the funds will cover.
Broader implications and concerns
The plans highlight the US military's footprint in the UK, with over 12,000 US personnel across at least 15 bases. The alliance has faced strain due to Trump's criticisms of the UK over Iran policy, though no specific changes to US bases in the UK have been proposed.
The US Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center spokesperson said: "The United States routinely upgrades its military facilities in allied nations. Unclassified administrative budget documents often accompany such activities. These documents are not predictive of, nor are they intended to disclose any specific posture or basing details."
Anti-nuclear campaigners have pointed to evidence of nuclear presence at Lakenheath and have mounted regular protests. The UK and US governments maintain a policy of neither confirming nor denying nuclear weapons at specific locations.
