A pair of U.S. Air Force B-52H Boeing Stratofortress bombers, of the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, departed from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on Wednesday (9 March).

Cpl. Lee Matthews said: "The aircraft lifted under ‘FEAR’ callsigns, heading over Wales and the South West coast of England."

The B-52H Stratofortress is a heavy bomber that can perform a variety of missions and can fly at high subsonic speeds at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet (15,167 metres).

The airplanes can carry nuclear or precision guided conventional ordnance with worldwide precision navigation capability.

It is believed at least four of the subsonic, jet-powered strategic warplanes are currently stationed at RAF Fairford.