RAF Bentwaters Cold War Museum aerial view
aerial image: Bentwaters Cold War Museum, Suffolk, England
Once one of the most significant front-line airbases during the Cold War, RAF Bentwaters played a vital role in NATO’s air defence network from the late 1940s until its closure in 1993. Located near Woodbridge in Suffolk, it was originally opened in 1943 as a Royal Air Force station, but it was soon taken over by the United States Army Air Forces and later by the United States Air Force.
From 1951 onwards, Bentwaters became one of two “twin bases” — the other being RAF Woodbridge — forming the so-called “Twin Bases Complex” under USAF control. For decades, it was home to various American fighter squadrons, most notably those of the 81st Tactical Fighter Wing. The base hosted a succession of aircraft including the Republic F-84 Thunderjet, North American F-86 Sabre, McDonnell F-4 Phantom II, and finally the Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II (Warthog) — which remained stationed here right up until the early 1990s.
The site became an operational hub for tactical air support, nuclear strike readiness, and air defence exercises during periods of great international tension — including the Berlin Crisis, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and later NATO’s operations throughout the 1980s. RAF Bentwaters is also closely associated with the famous Rendlesham Forest Incident of December 1980, often dubbed “Britain’s Roswell,” which involved personnel from the base.
Following the end of the Cold War, the USAF withdrew, and the airfield was handed back to the Ministry of Defence in 1993. Today, the airfield survives as Bentwaters Parks, used for commercial, filming, and heritage purposes. The Bentwaters Cold War Museum, located in the old hardened command bunker and adjacent buildings seen here, is run by dedicated volunteers who preserve its unique history.
Outside the museum are several restored aircraft and vehicles representing the types once operated from the base — including examples of the A-10 Thunderbolt, Hawker Hunter and various NATO aircraft. Inside, the original Battle Cabin, radar equipment, and operations rooms have been carefully reconstructed, offering visitors a vivid glimpse into Cold War life behind the wire.
RAF Bentwaters Cold War Museum aerial view
aerial image: Bentwaters Cold War Museum, Suffolk, England
Once one of the most significant front-line airbases during the Cold War, RAF Bentwaters played a vital role in NATO’s air defence network from the late 1940s until its closure in 1993. Located near Woodbridge in Suffolk, it was originally opened in 1943 as a Royal Air Force station, but it was soon taken over by the United States Army Air Forces and later by the United States Air Force.
From 1951 onwards, Bentwaters became one of two “twin bases” — the other being RAF Woodbridge — forming the so-called “Twin Bases Complex” under USAF control. For decades, it was home to various American fighter squadrons, most notably those of the 81st Tactical Fighter Wing. The base hosted a succession of aircraft including the Republic F-84 Thunderjet, North American F-86 Sabre, McDonnell F-4 Phantom II, and finally the Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II (Warthog) — which remained stationed here right up until the early 1990s.
The site became an operational hub for tactical air support, nuclear strike readiness, and air defence exercises during periods of great international tension — including the Berlin Crisis, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and later NATO’s operations throughout the 1980s. RAF Bentwaters is also closely associated with the famous Rendlesham Forest Incident of December 1980, often dubbed “Britain’s Roswell,” which involved personnel from the base.
Following the end of the Cold War, the USAF withdrew, and the airfield was handed back to the Ministry of Defence in 1993. Today, the airfield survives as Bentwaters Parks, used for commercial, filming, and heritage purposes. The Bentwaters Cold War Museum, located in the old hardened command bunker and adjacent buildings seen here, is run by dedicated volunteers who preserve its unique history.
Outside the museum are several restored aircraft and vehicles representing the types once operated from the base — including examples of the A-10 Thunderbolt, Hawker Hunter and various NATO aircraft. Inside, the original Battle Cabin, radar equipment, and operations rooms have been carefully reconstructed, offering visitors a vivid glimpse into Cold War life behind the wire.