RAF Shepherds Grove

Military Drawdown and Mission Change. The primary reason for closure was the deactivation of the PGM-17 Thor Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) program in 1963. The base's main purpose had shifted from a fighter base to a missile site, and with the Thor system becoming obsolete and being phased out, the base no longer had a strategic military mission. It was subsequently declared surplus by the UK government.

The former airfield is now the Shepherds Grove Industrial Estate, a large and active commercial park located near the village of Stanton. Many of the original military structures have been repurposed for modern industrial use, including the large hangars and sections of the concrete runways and taxiways which now serve as access roads and storage areas. A significant portion of the site is also occupied by a large-scale solar farm. The original control tower has been demolished, but the layout of the former airfield is still clearly visible from the air.

RAF Shepherds Grove was a significant Cold War airbase with a distinct two-phase history. Constructed in 1943-44 for RAF Bomber Command, it was never used for operations during World War II. Its importance began in 1951 when it was transferred to the USAF.

Phase 1 (Fighter Base): It initially hosted the 78th Fighter-Interceptor Wing flying F-86A Sabre jets, tasked with the air defense of the United Kingdom. It later became home to the 81st Fighter-Bomber Wing (later Fighter-Interceptor Wing) flying F-84F Thunderstreaks and F-86D Sabres.

Phase 2 (Missile Base): In 1959, the airfield's role changed dramatically when it became one of the UK's four main Thor missile bases. The fighter squadrons were relocated, and three launch emplacements for the nuclear-armed PGM-17 Thor missiles were constructed. The missiles were operated by No. 85 Squadron RAF under a 'dual-key' arrangement with the USAF, meaning both British and American consent was required for a launch. This made Shepherds Grove a critical front-line installation during the height of the Cold War.

None. There are no known plans or prospects for reopening RAF Shepherds Grove as an airport. The site has been extensively and successfully redeveloped for industrial and energy-generation purposes. The infrastructure has been significantly altered, with runways and taxiways partially removed, built upon, or repurposed, making any return to aviation use unfeasible.