US President Trump confirmed that a security threat prompted the removal of American B-1B Lancer bombers from RAF Fairford in England. Reports from the BBC, Financial Times, and The Telegraph identify a planned Iranian drone attack as the reason for the withdrawal. All 12 aircraft have since been relocated in the United States.
Separately, the UK government finalized a 190 million pound deal with Airbus to grow the RAF's A400M Atlas airlift fleet. The agreement is set to improve the RAF's ability to move troops and cargo. An RAF Poseidon aircraft also helped with the rescue of 17 people from a stricken fishing vessel off Orkney, demonstrating the patrol plane's broader role beyond its usual patrol work.