The UK government has issued a stern warning that individuals responsible for recent drone incursions over US military airbases will face legal consequences. The announcement comes after multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were spotted over several US Air Force facilities in Suffolk, Norfolk, and Gloucestershire.
Defence Minister Maria Eagle confirmed that sixty RAF personnel have been deployed to support US Air Force investigations into the incidents. The drone activities were reported at RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, RAF Feltwell, and RAF Fairford between Saturday and Monday.
"We will be making sure that anybody we manage to catch for engaging in this behaviour will be shown the full force of the law for their illegal activities," stated Eagle during a Westminster Hall debate on UK air defenses.
The Civil Aviation Authority has implemented flight restriction zones around the affected bases. While specific security measures were not disclosed, both UK and US military officials emphasized they are actively monitoring the situation.
The targeted bases house critical US military assets, including F-35A fighters and F-15E Strike Eagles at RAF Lakenheath, KC-135 refueling aircraft at RAF Mildenhall, and recently arrived B-52 bombers at RAF Fairford.
A US Air Forces in Europe spokesperson asserted their right to protect their installations, while the UK Ministry of Defence confirmed they maintain robust security measures at defense sites.
The drone incidents have raised particular concern as RAF Lakenheath is reportedly being prepared as a potential storage site for US nuclear weapons, following their previous removal from UK soil in 2008.
As investigations continue, authorities remain vigilant in identifying those responsible for these unauthorized drone operations over sensitive military installations.
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