Swinney was pressed on the issue by the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg in an interview to be broadcast on Sunday.
He replied: “We’re seeking clarity from the United Kingdom government about the purpose of American flights that are coming in and out of Prestwick, but we don’t have the ability to scrutinise those flights.”
The first minister said there were American aircraft going through Prestwick to the Middle East but he could make no judgement until he had clarity from the UK government about their purpose.
Asked if he would ban them if it was confirmed they were involved with the Middle East operation, Swinney said:” I will consider that based on the evidence that’s provided to me.”
The BBC has contacted the Ministry of Defence to ask whether it could provide such clarity.