US F-22 jets and Stratotankers linked to loud rumble over County Antrim

US Air Force F22 Raptor jet

A loud rumbling noise that echoed across parts of County Antrim on Tuesday night has been linked to US military aircraft crossing UK airspace — and further activity could follow.

Residents reported hearing a sustained roar overhead, prompting speculation online. Flight tracking later showed two US Air Force Boeing KC-135 Stratotankers transiting UK airspace alongside a number of F-22 Raptor fighter jets and a smaller US Navy aircraft under the sign “CONVOY”.

The movements come amid an ongoing US military build-up ordered by US President Donald Trump in advance of a possible attack on Iran.

Ballymoney DUP councillor Darryl Wilson today said further military air traffic may be possible tonight, Wednesday 25 February.

US Air Force Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker

He said:

“Following last night’s reports which turned out to be F-22 Raptor jets and supporting US aircraft crossing the Atlantic, I’ve received further information suggesting there may be additional movements tonight.

“In what appears to mirror yesterday’s activity, another six F-22A aircraft are reportedly airborne and linking up with refuelling tankers for the crossing to RAF Lakenheath in the UK.

“Three tankers are expected to accompany them part of the way, with two more from RAF Mildenhall taking over for the remainder of the journey.

“The supporting tankers are listed as:

• KC-135T “GOLD61” – 59-1467 (#AE0385) – KPIT

• KC-135T “GOLD62” – 58-0074 (#AE0238) – KPIT

• KC-135T “GOLD63” – 58-0084 (#AE0655) – KPIT

• KC-135R “GOLD64” – 57-1440 (#AE023B) – EGUN

• KC-135R “GOLD65” – 62-3559 (#ADFF0D) – EGUN

“As always, flight movements can change at short notice and this information is based on open-source tracking, so it may not be fully accurate. However, residents may wish to be aware that further aircraft noise is possible.”

“The aircraft are reportedly linking up with refuelling tankers before continuing to RAF Lakenheath, with RAF Mildenhall providing additional tanker support for the latter part of the journey.”

While such movements are not uncommon in transatlantic operations, the scale and timing have drawn attention locally given the wider geopolitical context.

Residents across parts of County Antrim may again notice aircraft noise if further movements proceed as indicated. Flight activity remains subject to operational change at short notice.