Unidentified drones spotted over three UK airbases, US air force confirms

ROYAL AIR FORCE

Unidentified drones spotted over three UK airbases, US air force confirms

The incidents occurred between 20 and 22 November over RAF Lakenheath, Mildenhall and Feltwell.
Photograph: Chris Radburn/PA

Unmanned aerial systems seen over RAF bases in Suffolk and Norfolk, but the US Air Force does not know if they were hostile.

Unidentified drones have been spotted over three air bases in Britain used by the United States Air Force (USAF). "Small unmanned aerial systems" were seen between 20 and 22 November over RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk and RAF Feltwell in Norfolk. The USAF, which operates the bases, said it was unclear at this stage whether the drones should be considered hostile. It also declined to comment on whether any defense mechanisms had been used, but said it retained the "right to protect" the device. A spokesman for US Air Force Europe said: “We can confirm that small unmanned aerial systems [UAS] were sighted near and over RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall and RAF Feltwell between 20 and 22 November. The number of UAS fluctuated and varied in size [and] configuration. “UAS were actively monitored and installation managers determined that none of the attacks impacted base residents or critical infrastructure. “In order to protect operational security, we do not discuss our specific force protection measures, but we reserve the right to protect the installation. We continue to monitor our airspace and work with host country authorities and mission partners to ensure the safety of base personnel, equipment and assets. A UK Ministry of Defense spokesman said: “We take threats seriously and maintain robust measures at defense sites. This includes anti-drone security features.