U.S. to Expand Morón Air Base in Spain to Accommodate B-52s Despite Diplomatic Tensions

The U.S. Air Force plans to expand Morón Air Base in Spain to increase its capacity to accommodate and refuel B-52 strategic bombers.

The War Zone reported on this, citing U.S. Air Force budget documents and U.S. tender documents.

As part of the project, the base’s combat aircraft parking apron will be expanded to add nine new parking positions for aircraft without weapons loaded.

If B-52s carrying weapons are deployed, the new positions will allow three bombers to be parked simultaneously.
This configuration is required because of safety restrictions associated with handling munitions.

The existing parking apron at Morón does not meet the requirements for accommodating strategic bombers carrying weapons because of safety-zone restrictions around nearby facilities.

In addition to the new parking positions, the project includes constructing 10 new fuel points and associated pipelines, widening the apron shoulders and access roads, and relocating an engineering equipment storage facility.

The project is estimated to cost $75.5 million.

The U.S. Air Force says the work is needed to increase the air base’s readiness and enable the rapid deployment of forces during exercises and potential military operations.

Morón has a strategic location in southern Spain, near the Mediterranean Sea and routes toward the Middle East, as well as a long runway and extensive aircraft support infrastructure.

The air base has repeatedly hosted U.S. B-52 and B-1B bombers during Bomber Task Force missions. In 2025, Morón was among the bases used for B-52H deployments to Europe.

Meanwhile, despite the expansion plans, diplomatic relations between Washington and Madrid remain strained. The tension stems from the Spanish government’s decision in March 2026 not to allow the United States to use its bases and airspace for direct strikes against Iran during Operation Epic Fury.

Nevertheless, the United States continues to invest in Morón’s infrastructure to support future operations and strategic aviation deployments.