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 describe a planned Iranian drone attack as the reason behind the move. All 12 aircraft have since returned to bases in the United States.

Separately, the UK government signed a 190 million pound deal with Airbus to expand 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, showing the range of tasks the RAF handles beyond its usual patrol work.