Military officials are investigating a series of suspicious drone activities reported at four US Air Force bases across England since November 20th. The unmanned aerial vehicles have been observed near RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, RAF Feltwell, and RAF Fairford.
According to Air Force Captain Ryan Walsh, spokesman for the 48th Fighter Wing at Lakenheath, these are not typical consumer drones. Military sources indicate the aircraft appear to be sophisticated quadcopters and octocopters, suggesting a level of technology beyond standard hobbyist equipment.
In response to the incidents, British forces have deployed approximately 60 RAF Regiment troops equipped with counter-drone systems to help protect the bases. The RAF personnel are working alongside US security forces to detect, track and potentially neutralize any threatening unmanned aircraft.
While base operations have not been disrupted, military leaders are taking the situation seriously. "Our units continue to monitor the airspace and are working with host-nation authorities and mission partners," said Captain Walsh in an official statement.
The number and types of drones observed has varied over the past several days. Officials believe the incidents at RAF Lakenheath, Mildenhall, and Feltwell may be connected, though the relationship to drone activity at RAF Fairford remains unclear.
Both US and British authorities are actively investigating who might be behind these coordinated flights. Local residents near the bases have been asked to report any suspicious drone activity to police or base security forces.
The incidents come amid heightened awareness of drone threats to military installations worldwide. While officials have not publicly speculated about motives, they emphasize that all necessary measures are being taken to protect base personnel and assets.
Note: Only Link 1 was inserted as it was the only one contextually relevant to the article about suspicious drone activity and potential sabotage in the UK. Links 2 and 3 about Gaza and North Korea were not relevant to this story.