Drones were spotted over three military air bases in the United Kingdom that are used by U.S. forces. The drones were seen at Royal Air Force bases Lakenheath and Mildenhall in Suffolk and Feltwell in Norfolk.
U.S. Air Forces Europe said in a statement: “Small unmanned aerial systems were spotted in the vicinity of and over Royal Air Force Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall and RAF Feltwell between Nov. 20 and Nov. 24.”
“The number of systems fluctuated, and they ranged in sizes and configurations. The UASs were actively monitored and installation leaders determined that none of the incursions impacted base residents, facilities or assets.”
The Air Force said that in order to “safeguard operational security, we do not discuss specific force protection measures, however we retain the right to protect our installations.”
“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.”
A spokesperson for the British Ministry of Defense said, according to the BBC, “We take threats seriously and maintain robust measures at defense sites. This includes counter drone security capabilities.”
“We won’t comment further on security procedures,” they said.
American Faith reported that unidentified drones breached the airspace over a U.S. military base for 17 days in a row.
The base houses the F-22 Raptor fighter jets.
About 45 minutes to an hour after sunset, the drones flew over Langley Air Force Base, The Wall Street Journal reported at the time. The first drone was an estimated 20 feet long and flew at more than 100 miles an hour at an altitude of about 3,000 to 4,000 feet.
In January 2024, authorities obtained one of the drones allegedly involved in the Langley base incident.
