Four American B-52 long-range bombers have arrived in Britain today, as diplomatic tensions simmer between Russia and the West.

The iconic US military aircraft are headed for RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, following the arrival of ground crew and logistics personnel two days earlier, it is understood.

The B-52, also known as the Stratofortress, is a long-range heavy bomber that has been in US military service since 1955. It can carry nuclear or precision guided conventional weapons.

The jets, which took off from their home base US Air Force Minot in North Dakota at 2am before refuelling in Nova Scotia, are part of a long-planned Bomber Task Force mission.

The first bomber landed this morning, followed by a second this afternoon. Flight trackers suggest the other two are engaging in various activities over the UK before reaching their destination.

A UK defence source said of the US deployment’s link to growing concerns about the threat of a Russian invasion of Ukraine: “Is this aligned to current tensions? Yes and no”.

Read more: yahoo