US Air Force spots unidentified drones hovering over 3 UK airbases, probe underway

On Saturday, the US Air Force shocked authorities in the United Kingdom by reporting that a number of unidentified drones had been spotted over three British airbases. The USAF confirmed that “Small unmanned aerial systems” were seen over RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk and RAF Feltwell in Norfolk between November 20 and 22.

The American authority that uses the bases said it was unclear whether the drones should be considered hostile. It also declined to comment on whether any defence mechanisms were used to deal with them. However, the USAF maintained that it has the “right to protect installations.”

“We can confirm that small unmanned aerial systems [UASs] were spotted in the vicinity of and over RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall and RAF Feltwell between 20 and 22 November. The number of UASs fluctuated and they ranged in size [and] configuration," A spokesperson for US air forces in Europe said in a statement, The Guardian reported.

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“The UASs were actively monitored and installation leaders determined that none of the incursions impacted base residents or critical infrastructure. To protect operational security, we do not discuss our specific force protection measures but retain the right to protect the installation. We continue to monitor our airspace and are working with host-nation authorities and mission partners to ensure the safety of base personnel, facilities and assets,” the spokesperson furthered.

UK reacts

Meanwhile, a British Ministry of Defence spokesperson stated that they are looking into the matter. “We take threats seriously and maintain robust measures at defence sites. This includes counter-drone security capabilities," the British spokesperson averred.

“We won’t comment further on security procedures," he added. According to BBC, RAF Mildenhall is primarily home to the USAF’s 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Lakenheath stations USAF F-35A and F-15E fighter jets, while RAF Feltwell is mainly concerned with logistics and offers housing for military personnel.

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After releasing the statement, the British authorities kept hush-hush about further details. “We won’t comment further on security procedures,” the UK defence ministry said.

With inputs from agencies.