The United States is set to invest more than $4bn (£3bn) in upgrading its military and intelligence bases across the United Kingdom, according to official documents that also highlight the UK's role as a potential storage site for American nuclear weapons.
New Bunkers for Nuclear Arsenal
The construction plans include building new bunkers in Suffolk, which are expected to store nuclear weapons, and modernising facilities to support covert operations. The US military also intends to upgrade its base in Gloucestershire, which was used by heavy bombers for strikes on Iran earlier this year under President Donald Trump's orders.
These plans underscore the extensive footprint of the US military and security establishment in the UK, where over 12,000 US military personnel are stationed across at least 15 bases and facilities.
Questions Over UK's Host Role
There are growing questions about whether Britain should continue hosting these installations. For over 70 years, successive UK governments have viewed the bases as a cornerstone of the military partnership with the US. However, the alliance has been strained by Trump's criticism of the UK for not supporting his war on Iran. He has threatened to reduce US aircraft and warships in Europe but has not proposed specific changes to UK bases.
Details of the Modernisation Plans
The modernisation plans were outlined in papers presented at a military engineering conference in March and in documents submitted to the US Congress detailing Pentagon expenditure. Slides from the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center indicated that current planning, design, and construction projects at American bases in the UK amount to $4.2bn, with an additional $1.3bn in draft status.
A spokesperson for the center noted that some of this total includes funds from a NATO fund for military construction, with the exact amount yet to be determined.
Major Spending at RAF Lakenheath
The largest portion—over $1.6bn—is allocated for RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, the largest US base in the UK, home to 6,000 personnel. Documents suggest this includes infrastructure to house a nuclear arsenal, returning after nearly two decades. During the Cold War, the US stored nuclear weapons there; they were believed removed in 2008. New facilities include reinforced shelters, enhanced security, and extra accommodation for personnel, likely for the latest generation of nuclear bombs.
Both US and UK governments maintain a policy of neither confirming nor denying nuclear weapons at specific locations. However, anti-nuclear campaigners have pointed to evidence of a nuclear presence at Lakenheath and have held regular protests.
Upgrades at Mildenhall and Fairford
Another $1.1bn is earmarked for RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk, home to about 4,000 US personnel. The base played a key role in refuelling aircraft during the US-Israeli strikes on Iran this year. An unspecified portion will fund purpose-built facilities for covert special forces, enabling faster crisis response.
Nearly $500m is to be spent at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, which has a 2-mile runway reinforced for heavy bombers like the B-1 and B-52. The base was used for bombing raids on Iran, allowing bombers to take off from the UK rather than the US. Funding includes a new hangar complex and renovated houses for aircrew.
Menwith Hill Spy Base
The most secretive US base, Menwith Hill in the Yorkshire Dales, is part of a global electronic surveillance network. Large white radomes house equipment that intercepts communications as far as the Middle East. One document shows $163m allocated for Menwith Hill, though no details were provided on its use.
The 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.”
