Bunker busters and a Burger King: a visual guide to US military bases on British soil

The Guardian US News
by Harry Davies and Rob Evans with graphics by Ana Lucía González Paz and Andrew Witherspoon
April 12, 2026
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3 min read

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A visual guide reveals 15 US military bases in the UK, controlled by the US president, are prominent in the war with Iran.

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The ongoing war with Iran has drawn attention to 15 American military sites located across the UK countryside. These outposts, though technically on British soil and often bearing "Royal Air Force" in their names, are largely under the control of the US president and commander-in-chief. Their prominence has increased as they are equipped with capabilities like "bunker busters" and feature amenities such as a "Burger King." The visual guide highlights these facilities, many of which are obscured from public view behind secured perimeter fences. This situation underscores the significant US military presence in the UK during current global conflicts.

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