Training exercises and more security at RAF Croughton amidst global events
Residents may also notice increased training exercises and are being told not to be alarmed
Last updated 3rd Mar 2026
An RAF base in Northamptonshire has announced some temporary changes, including increased security, in light of “current real-world events”.
People living near RAF Croughton may notice an increased security presence at the base, with personnel carrying weapons. Training exercises will also be conducted on-site, and the 'Giant Voice' tannoy system will be used to broadcast emergency messages as part of these drills.
Brackley Town Council shared the information from RAF Croughton, which aims to reassure the community that these are precautionary exercises and there is no immediate threat to the base or surrounding area.
These steps are taken to ensure readiness and 'reflect the ongoing global situation'.
RAF Croughton is a a United States Air Force communications station. It is home to the 422nd Air Base Group and operates one of Europe’s largest military switchboards and processes approximately a third of all U.S. military communications in Europe.
The news comes following days of hostility in the Middle East, with the US and Israel continuing to strike Iran following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
More than 200,000 British nationals, including military personnel, are thought to be at risk in the Gulf as the Tehran regime launches further missiles at its neighbours.
Late on Sunday, the Prime Minister said he had agreed to a US request to use British bases to protect UK nationals and allies in the region, accusing Iran of pursuing a "scorched earth strategy".
Sir Keir said British forces would not be directly involved in the strikes, and the bases would only be used for the "specific and limited defensive purpose" of targeting missile storage depots and launchers being used to attack Iran's neighbours.
He said: "We have taken the decision to accept this request - to prevent Iran firing missiles across the region, killing innocent civilians, putting British lives at risk, and hitting countries that have not been involved."