RAF Bentwaters, now known as Bentwaters Parks, is a former Royal Air Force station about 80 miles (130 km) northeast of London, 10 miles (16 km) east-northeast of Ipswich, near Woodbridge, Suffolk in England. The name was taken from two cottages (‘Bentwaters Cottages’) that had stood on the site of the main runway during its construction in 1943.
It was used by the RAF during World War II, and by the United States Air Force during the Cold War, being the primary home for the 81st Fighter Wing under various designations from 1951 to 1993. For many years the 81st Fighter Wing also operated RAF Woodbridge, with Bentwaters and Woodbridge airfields being known by the Americans as the "Twin Bases".
Bentwaters is also known as the location for the alleged December 1980 UFO incident in Rendlesham Forest.
The site is now known as Bentwaters Parks. The Bentwaters Cold War Museum is located site, there are offices and warehouses to rent, and the site is also used for television and film making.
Bentwaters airfield's origins goes back to 1942 when construction began on RAF Butley as an RAF Bomber Command airfield. On 28 January 1943 the station was renamed Bentwaters RAF Station. It was opened for operational use in April 1944. In December it was transferred to RAF Fighter Command 11th Group. During World War II, RAF squadrons at Butley were: 64, 118, 126, 129, 165 and 234.