RAF Lakenheath, Suffolk – June 20, 2025 — A dozen U.S. F-22 Raptor fighter jets have touched down at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, drawing crowds of planespotters and aviation enthusiasts to the base and fueling speculation about an expanded American military presence in Europe amid escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran.
The F-22s, renowned for their stealth and air dominance capabilities, are rarely seen outside the United States and are exclusively operated by the U.S. Air Force. Their sudden appearance in the UK on Wednesday night marks a significant development in military aviation activity across Europe.
In the past week, more than 30 U.S. military aircraft have been repositioned from American bases to various European locations, sparking heightened interest from aviation trackers and defence analysts. However, U.S. officials have declined to confirm any operational details, citing “operational security” concerns.
Despite the lack of official information, speculation is rife that the deployment is part of a strategic posturing effort amid heightened regional instability in the Middle East. Ongoing strikes between Israel and Iran have prompted global concern and could be influencing U.S. force distribution abroad.
RAF Lakenheath is home to the USAF’s 48th Fighter Wing, the largest U.S. fighter operation in Europe. It routinely hosts F-15 Strike Eagles and F-35A Lightning II jets. The addition of the F-22 Raptors, however, is a rare sight — and a magnet for the UK’s planespotting community.
A Rare Opportunity for Aviation Enthusiasts
Local enthusiasts flocked to the base’s public viewing area hoping to catch a glimpse of the cutting-edge jets. Among them was John Millard, who remarked on the rarity of the moment: “It’s one of their stealth fighter bombers and of course in coming here there’s been a lot of interest.”
Millard noted the area often becomes “jam-packed” when word spreads about incoming U.S. aircraft. “Here at Lakenheath they’ve got the F-15s and F-35s so it’s unusual for another fighter bomber to actually arrive.”
Mick Coppin, a regular at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, made a special trip to Lakenheath. “It’s quite exciting for me today… just to see one would be spectacular,” he said. While expressing concerns about the geopolitical implications of their presence, he admitted, “There’s nothing we can do about it.”
Another enthusiast, Steve Huntley from Essex, likened the event to a festive occasion: “It’s like Christmas. They’re the best fighter aircraft in the world… an amazing aircraft and for an enthusiast, it’s very rare.”
Supporting Operations Nearby
Alongside the F-22s, tanker aircraft have been observed at nearby RAF Mildenhall, home to the USAF’s 352nd Special Operations Wing. The base specialises in covert operations and aerial refuelling, offering logistical support for U.S. missions across Europe and beyond.
While the exact purpose of the F-22 deployment remains classified, its timing and location suggest a broader U.S. strategy to reassure allies and deter adversaries in a time of rising international tensions.
As for the enthusiasts waiting patiently behind the fence line, it remains unclear when the jets will depart or which runway they’ll use — but they’ll be watching, lenses trained skyward.
