RAF Lakenheath jet flights reduced due to US defence cuts

The reduction in flights will be in place until at least October

Planes are to be grounded and fewer flights will be made from a Suffolk airbase as a result of cuts in American defence spending.

About 75 F-15 jets are based at RAF Lakenheath and currently fly for a total of 20,000 hours a year.

A spokesperson said details of the cuts, which will be in operation until at least October, were not yet known.

The US Air Force began grounding about a third of its combat aircraft, last week.

Its budget for the fiscal year ending in October is being reduced by $591m (£386m).

The 48th Fighter Wing said only airmen who were preparing to be deployed in support of current operations would be flight-trained.

The spokesperson said: "Personnel will continue ground training as well, which includes flight simulator training.

"The local community will continue to see the 48th Fighter Wing aircraft flying, although less frequently."