UK: British, US Forces Investigating Drone Sightings Over US Airbases
In the UK, multiple unidentified drones were reportedly spotted over US airbases RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk, and RAF Feltwell in Norfolk between Nov. 20-22, prompting responses by both the UK and US military.
Facts
- In the UK, multiple unidentified drones were reportedly spotted over US airbases RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk, and RAF Feltwell in Norfolk between Nov. 20-22, prompting responses by both the UK and US military.[1][2]
- The US Air Force in Europe (USAFE) confirmed that the unmanned aerial systems varied in size and configuration, with sightings fluctuating between bases during nighttime hours. However, it was claimed that no operational impacts were reported.[3][4]
- Approximately 60 RAF personnel, including counter-drone specialists equipped with ORCUS detection systems, have since been deployed to assist US forces in monitoring and protecting the installations.[4][5]
- The Ministry of Defence confirmed its support of the US Air Force response, while a USAFE spokesperson claimed "no impact to residents or infrastructure and [the drones] have not been identified as hostile."[1][5]
- All three RAF bases are leased by the US. RAF Lakenheath hosts the US' 48th Fighter Wing, which is described as the foundation of USAFE's combat ability in Europe. RAF Mildenhall holds the 100th Air Refuelling Wing, while RAF Feltwell contains schools and houses.[4][6]
- In January, Pentagon documents obtained by The Telegraph showed procurement contracts for the US to station B61-12 nuclear gravity bombs at RAF Lakenheath, while $50M has been allocated by the US to build a new "surety" dormitory for 2026.[7][8]
Sources:[1]BBC News, [2]The Guardian, [3]DefenseScoop, [4]Sky News, [5]The Times, [6]Royal Air Force Lakenheath, [7]Verity (a) and [8]Verity (b).
Narratives
- Narrative A, as provided by The Sun and LBC.The coordinated nature and timing of these drone activities suggest a potentially state-sponsored operation targeting critical military infrastructure. Given the ongoing hostilities between Russia and the West, Pres. Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin should certainly be considered chief suspects for any covert espionage of US-UK military facilities.
- Narrative B, as provided by RT and Sputnik International. While the origins of the drones remain a mystery, it's notable that one of the sites — RAF Lakenheath — is most likely seeing the return of US nuclear weapons. Given this well-known and unwise escalation of tensions, it's little surprise that US-UK military bases are beginning to gather unwanted attention.
