A loud rumbling noise heard across parts of County Antrim on Tuesday night has been attributed to US military aircraft crossing UK airspace. Flight tracking data identified two Boeing KC-135 Stratotankers accompanying several F-22 Raptor fighter jets and a US Navy aircraft operating under the callsign 'CONVOY'.

The aircraft movements are part of a US military build-up directed by President Donald Trump ahead of potential operations involving Iran. Residents reported the sustained roar overhead, which prompted online speculation before flight data confirmed the source.

Ballymoney DUP councillor Darryl Wilson stated that further military air traffic may occur on Wednesday, 25 February. He cited open-source information indicating six additional F-22A aircraft airborne, linking with refuelling tankers en route to RAF Lakenheath.

Wilson listed the supporting tankers as KC-135T 'GOLD61' (59-1467, #AE0385) from KPIT, 'GOLD62' (58-0074, #AE0238) from KPIT, 'GOLD63' (58-0084, #AE0655) from KPIT, KC-135R 'GOLD64' (57-1440, #AE023B) from EGUN, and 'GOLD65' (62-3559, #ADFF0D) from EGUN. Three tankers are expected initially, with two more from RAF Mildenhall taking over later.

Councillor Wilson noted that flight movements can change at short notice due to operational requirements. He advised residents in County Antrim to be aware of possible further aircraft noise.