RAF Fairford sits not far from the Cotswolds. We watched jets flying in and out of the base. With the 2026 Iran War going, increased activity had photographers surrounding the base’s perimeter, capturing photos of aircraft.

In addition to photographers, some protestors sat outside the base’s fencing, upset with the UK Prime Minister’s permission granted to the US military to use the base for war-time operations. Local residents have also complained about disruptions. Heavy bombers, like the B-52 Stratofortress and B-1 Lancer, have set off car alarms and shook houses.

Here, a Lockheed U-2 reconnaissance aircraft comes in for a landing. The “Dragon Lady” climbs to a high altitude, above 70,000 feet, to spy on ground activity.