For almost a week, unidentified drones have been sighted over several joint U.S.-U.K. military bases.
According to Jennifer Griffin, four U.K. bases housing U.S. F-15 Strike Eagle and F-35 fighter jets have been targeted by multiple small drones since November 20th.
Military officials express concern over what seems to be a coordinated effort to test security at RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, RAF Feltwell, and RAF Fairford. The U.K. has deployed approximately 60 personnel to enhance base security.
A senior U.S. official stated to Fox News that these drones don’t appear to be hobbyist-grade. Witnesses describe them as small quadcopters and octocopters, more advanced than commercially available models.
Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder stated earlier on Tuesday that these drone incursions haven’t affected base personnel, facilities, or U.S. assets. He added that the U.S. retains the right to defend itself against perceived threats.
While the drones’ origin remains undisclosed, the coordinated nature suggests a potential state actor, beginning a day after Ukraine used U.S.-supplied ATACMs against Russia following President Biden’s lifting of range restrictions. President Putin subsequently asserted Russia’s right to retaliate against nations enabling attacks against it.
The U.K. Defense Ministry is collaborating with U.S. and local police to investigate the drones’ purpose and potential foreign involvement.
“The number of systems has fluctuated, and they have ranged in sizes and configurations,” U.S. Air Forces Europe stated. “Our units continue to monitor the airspace and are working with host-nation authorities and mission partners to ensure the safety of base personnel, facilities and assets.”
This drone activity follows a similar incident last December, where Fox News reported surveillance drones operating near Langley Air Force Base in Virginia for 17 days. While larger, those drones presented a comparable challenge to base security.
Lakenheath houses the 48th Fighter Wing, considered the core of U.S. air combat capability in Europe. Mildenhall hosts the 100th Air Refueling Wing, while Feltwell provides housing, schools, and other services. Fairford is home to the 501st Combat Support Wing Headquarters and the 420th Air Base Squadron.