Drones Spotted Over U.S. Bases in the UK Are Not Linked to Hobbyists, Authorities Investigating Possible Threats and Intent Behind the Incursions
For nearly a week, unidentified drones have been observed hovering over joint U.S.-U.K. military installations in the United Kingdom. According to Fox News’ Jennifer Griffin, four bases housing American F-15 Strike Eagle and F-35 fighter jets have been under siege from “swarms of small drones” since November 20.
Military officials express concern over what seems to be a coordinated attempt to breach security at RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, RAF Feltwell in eastern England, and RAF Fairford in the southwest. In response to the escalating drone activity, the U.K. military has deployed approximately 60 personnel to safeguard the affected bases.
We always reserve the right to defend ourselves if we perceive a situation as a threat, Ryder stated.
A high-ranking U.S. official revealed to Fox News that the drones spotted are unlikely to be operated by amateur enthusiasts. Eyewitnesses have reported seeing small quadcopters and octocopters that exhibit a level of sophistication beyond standard retail models. In a statement earlier on Tuesday, Pentagon press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder assured that these drone activities have not posed any threat to the residents, infrastructure, or U.S. military assets at the bases.
U.S. officials have not disclosed the source of the drones, but their coordinated activity indicates the involvement of a potentially aggressive state actor. This escalation occurred just one day after Ukraine utilized long-range American ATACMs to strike targets in Russia, following President Biden’s decision to lift restrictions on the use of longer-range missiles.
Shortly thereafter, President Vladimir Putin asserted that Russia reserves the right to target countries that permit their weapons to be used against it.
The U.K. Defense Ministry announced that it is collaborating closely with U.S. officials and local law enforcement to determine the purpose of the drones and whether a foreign adversary is involved.
The number of systems has varied, with different sizes and configurations observed,” stated U.S. Air Forces Europe. “Our units are actively monitoring the airspace and coordinating with host-nation authorities and mission partners to ensure the safety of personnel, facilities, and assets at the bases.
SUMMARY
Authorities Investigate Security Threats
Unidentified drones have been detected over four U.S.-U.K. military bases since November 20, raising security concerns.
Bases affected include RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, RAF Feltwell, and RAF Fairford, which house U.S. fighter jets.
The drones, described as advanced quadcopters and octocopters, are suspected to be part of a coordinated effort, leading to the deployment of 60 military personnel for security.
U.S. officials believe these drones are not operated by hobbyists and could be linked to a foreign state actor.
While there is no immediate threat to personnel or infrastructure, the Pentagon is closely monitoring the situation.
The U.K. Defense Ministry is working with U.S. officials and local authorities to determine the intent behind these incursions.
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