TWZ: US could turn to Iceland, Azores for bomber operations targeting Iran

The United States could turn to air bases in Iceland and Portugal’s Azores as potential launch points for long-range bomber operations against Iran, as Washington weighs alternative options for sustaining a strike campaign in the region.

Military analysts note that Lajes Field in the Azores and Keflavik Air Base in Iceland are both capable of receiving and servicing U.S. strategic bombers, including the B-2 Spirit and the B-52H Stratofortress. The facilities have been used repeatedly for stopovers and transit operations by American aircraft, demonstrating their ability to handle large, long-range platforms, The War Zone reports.

In recent years, the U.S. Air Force has placed renewed emphasis on training crews to operate even its most maintenance-intensive aircraft from unfamiliar or relatively austere locations. Deployments of B-2 bombers to the Azores, Iceland and the Pacific outpost of Wake Island have underscored this effort to enhance operational flexibility. The more versatile B-1B Lancer and B-52 fleets have also operated from a variety of allied airfields across Europe and elsewhere.

However, defence experts caution that temporary deployments differ significantly from sustained combat operations. High-tempo strike missions require extensive pre-positioned equipment, specialised maintenance facilities and robust logistical support to maintain sortie rates over time. Establishing such conditions at forward locations can be complex and politically sensitive.

Any use of European bases for strikes on Iran would require the consent of host governments. Washington may also reportedly consider Morón Air Base in Spain, where U.S. aerial refuelling aircraft are stationed. The availability of air tankers would allow bombers to refuel mid-air and potentially conduct missions against Iranian targets directly from European bases without relying on closer regional facilities.

As previously reported, the United Kingdom has so far declined to authorise the use of key British-controlled facilities for a potential U.S. strike on Iran. According to The Times, London has withheld permission for operations from Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean and RAF Fairford in the UK, citing concerns that participation could constitute a breach of international law if the underlying military action were deemed unlawful.

By Sabina Mammadli