LN Strike Eagles going home

[Blackcat1]

So how long do we think we will have them at Lakenheath for?

From what I’ve read, if it’s gonna happen won’t be until around 2030. There’s a lot of ifs and maybes about it still.

Thanks. Thats good then

[cat1]

Old politics game. One lot says "we're pulling out", next lot says "we're staying", in the meantime nothing happens.

[Cyberfox]

It doesn’t make sense with the current political situation being a worse relationship with Russia than at many times during the Cold War. Is it simply that Trump doesn’t want to defend Europe?

If that’s the case perhaps there should be plans to build up RAF fighter strength to closer to 80’s levels.

[Vulcanone]

Old politics game. One lot says "we're pulling out", next lot says "we're staying", in the meantime nothing happens.

Actually I think you'll find its nothing to do with politics, they are getting old.

Just like the older F-16s and A-10s have gone home, along with the F-15Cs that were with the 48th. Not to mention all the F-4s we had when I was a kid. Sure enough, as you get old so do aircraft ..

[Vulcanone]

It doesn’t make sense with the current political situation being a worse relationship with Russia than at many times during the Cold War. Is it simply that Trump doesn’t want to defend Europe?

If that’s the case perhaps there should be plans to build up RAF fighter strength to closer to 80’s levels.

And even if the went off and bought another 100 Typhoons or another 100 F-35s tomorrow... they won't arrive in a hurry.

[Blackcat1]

They might be getting old , but shes still at the top of her game.

Never say die IRON EAGLE

[Snoop 95]

Some of the resident F15E's are registered in F/Y 1991, which is the year that their procurement was authorised IIRC. So they will be at least 30 years old. That said, I noticed that the F16's here recently from Aviano wore registrations in the 1980's

[Blackcat1]

Some of the resident F15E's are registered in F/Y 1991, which is the year that their procurement was authorised IIRC. So they will be at least 30 years old. That said, I noticed that the F16's here recently from Aviano wore registrations in the 1980's

Yes the oldest AV jet is 87

[Ghastly Whisper]

No matter what at some point they will be replaced, with a newer jet, as will the 35s, be it with pilotless stuff or damn lasers in space or some such crap, thats progress. I still miss the 111

[Blackcat1]

No matter what at some point they will be replaced, with a newer jet, as will the 35s, be it with pilotless stuff or damn lasers in space or some such crap, thats progress. I still miss the 111

I miss the Vark too! I was there in the early 1990s when the Eagles entered service , F111s & Eagles at one base & A10s & F16s over at Bentwaters & Woodbridge . Happy days!

[cat1]

Old politics game. One lot says "we're pulling out", next lot says "we're staying", in the meantime nothing happens.

Actually I think you'll find its nothing to do with politics, they are getting old.

Just like the older F-16s and A-10s have gone home, along with the F-15Cs that were with the 48th. Not to mention all the F-4s we had when I was a kid. Sure enough, as you get old so do aircraft ..

Sorry I was referring to the suggestion of the entire base being closed, maybe I wasn't clear enough.

[slogen51]

If they do go it will be sad day but nothing lasts forever and some new stuff will come along to replace them.

A great replacement for an old Eagle is a new Eagle!

Perhaps the shooting down of 4th generation Rafale over India was a wake up call - fighters are vulnerable to missiles

Eagles Rock! Yes we do!

It looks like a redeployment rather than a retirement of the 48FW jets. Reading the above and the www it is the older less powerful F-15E with the -220 engine that are going. The 48FW jets have the noticeable more powerful -229 engine plus they are in the process of having EPAWSS updates

[The wrong stuff]

Interesting read ....... https://www.defenseone.com/policy/2025/ ... es/405152/

[Lossie]

Hi all,
It was said earlier in this thread "they are building another large ramp in the old 493rd shelter area as we speak." Does anyone know which side of the taxiway is the new ramp being built in the old 493rd FS shelter area - trees/road side or other side of the taxiway? Anyone any idea what's it's for? Can you see the construction work from outside the fence?

[iainpeden]

Interesting read ....... https://www.defenseone.com/policy/2025/ ... es/405152/

It is an interesting read - as much as anything because it suggests Trump is trying to micromanage everything rather than leave it to the expert long term planners.

[Snoop 95]

Interesting read ....... https://www.defenseone.com/policy/2025/ ... es/405152/

It is an interesting read - as much as anything because it suggests Trump is trying to micromanage everything rather than leave it to the expert long term planners.

It's interesting the way these things are reported in that they say Mr Trump has decided etc.... in the same way that in the UK they say that Sir Keir Starmer has decided etc.....
Surely if and it's a big IF, they have indeed made the decision it is with the significant input of those who are knowledgeable on the subject, or more likely that the leader is simply the mouthpiece and announces a decision which has been made by specialists in government departments. I maybe naive but I have been around a long time!

[Agent K]

It's interesting the way these things are reported in that they say Mr Trump has decided etc.... in the same way that in the UK they say that Sir Keir Starmer has decided etc.....
Surely if and it's a big IF, they have indeed made the decision it is with the significant input of those who are knowledgeable on the subject, or more likely that the leader is simply the mouthpiece and announces a decision which has been made by specialists in government departments. I maybe naive but I have been around a long time!

Problem is the Republican regime has disposed of experts and flooded roles with ex Fox presenters and shock jocks etc. Also as frequently evidenced, they have disdain for experts and people with subject knowledge and override them, so who knows what goes on there.

[jonnewell]

[/quote]

Problem is the Republican regime has disposed of experts and flooded roles with ex Fox presenters and shock jocks etc. Also as frequently evidenced, they have disdain for experts and people with subject knowledge and override them, so who knows what goes on there.
[/quote]

[Rob666]

It's interesting the way these things are reported in that they say Mr Trump has decided etc.... in the same way that in the UK they say that Sir Keir Starmer has decided etc.....
Surely if and it's a big IF, they have indeed made the decision it is with the significant input of those who are knowledgeable on the subject, or more likely that the leader is simply the mouthpiece and announces a decision which has been made by specialists in government departments. I maybe naive but I have been around a long time!

Problem is the Republican regime has disposed of experts and flooded roles with ex Fox presenters and shock jocks etc. Also as frequently evidenced, they have disdain for experts and people with subject knowledge and override them, so who knows what goes on there.

100% just look at Hegseth...

[warthog81]

I remember when Obama wanted to close Mildenhall and move the tankers and SOG to Germany. I think it was Trump during his first term that stopped that. I also remember Obama ending the last A-10 squadron in Europe (81st FS) and reducing the number of F-16s, reducing the 52nd FW to just one large squadron of F-16s.