Mystery Surrounds Drones Spotted Flying Over US Air Bases in UK | Latest UK Updates
Recently, drones have been sighted over three US Air Force (USAF) air bases in the UK. The unmanned aerial devices were first seen on 20 November over RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk, and RAF Feltwell in Norfolk.
This unusual activity has prompted an investigation by civilian police with support from the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD). Approximately 60 British troops, including counter-drone specialists, have been deployed to assist in defending the bases.
Around 60 British troops, including counter-drone specialists, have also been deployed to help defend the bases.
What we know about the drone sightings
The drones were first spotted near the three airbases last Wednesday. Similar movements occurred again on Friday 22 November and “during nighttime hours” on Monday this week, a spokesperson for the USAF in Europe said. The spokesperson mentioned that the number of aerial vehicles “fluctuated” and “varied between the bases”.
When asked by Sky News’ security and defence editor Deborah Haynes, the spokesperson said there has been “no impact to residents or infrastructure and [they] have not been identified as hostile”.
“However they are still continuously being monitored to ensure the safety and security of the installations.”
Haynes added that it remains “unclear how many drones are involved, who is operating them and why they are doing it” but it seems “sufficiently serious” for the UK to deploy military personnel.
Lakenheath is home to the 48th Fighter Wing, which the USAF describes as the foundation of its combat capability in Europe.
RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk. Pic: PA
Mildenhall hosts the 100th Air Refuelling Wing, and Feltwell is a hub for housing, schools and other services. These bases are leased by the USAF from Britain.
What has the UK and US said?
The MoD stated that it supports the USAF’s response to the drone sightings and treats threats seriously. This response involves deploying around 60 military personnel, including members of the RAF Regiment’s Force Protection Wing with expertise in countering drones, to safeguard the US bases and investigate the operators of the drones.
RAF Lakenheath also in Suffolk. Pic: PA
The RAF troops use the ORCUS counter-uncrewed air system, capable of “detecting, tracking, identifying, and, if necessary, defeating hostile drones,” as per the RAF website. US military units confirmed they are still monitoring the airspace over the three bases on Tuesday evening.
Who could be operating the drones?
Pentagon spokesperson Major General Patrick Ryder mentioned on Tuesday that it was premature to make conclusions about whether hobbyists were behind the drones. He acknowledged that small drones are quite common. However, security sources described the drone activity as “awfully coordinated” and “odd” and “very weird.” A US official noted that it did not seem like the work of hobbyists and that the US military would continue investigating.
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While the intent of the drones remains unclear, these sightings coincide with escalating hostilities between Russia and Ukraine. Ukraine has struck targets inside Russia with intermediate-range missiles supplied by the US and Britain after President Joe Biden authorized their use. In response, President Vladimir Putin warned of retaliation against countries providing weapons used against Russian targets.
