The US Air Force in the United Kingdom on Tuesday said a small number of drones were spotted flying over bases in eastern England. The development comes just days after drones were spotted near RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall and RAF Feltwell. Lakenheath, Mildenhall and Feltwell, located close to one another in the counties of Suffolk and Norfolk, are Royal Air Force bases used primarily by the US Air Force. US Air Forces Europe said they were actively monitored after they were seen in the vicinity of and over the three bases.
However, the Air Force hasn’t identified who is believed to be behind the incursions. Unspecified mitigation measures are underway. Lakenheath is home to the 48th Fighter Wing, which the US Air Force describes as the foundation of its combat capability in Europe.
Mildenhall hosts the 100th Air Refueling Wing, and Feltwell is a hub for housing, schools and other services. Lakenheath, Mildenhall and Feltwell, located close to one another in the counties of Suffolk and Norfolk, are Royal Air Force bases used primarily by the US Air Force.
US Air Force says drones spotted near 3 bases in England last week
Earlier on November 24, the US Air Force said a number of small drones were detected last week around three bases in eastern England that are used by American forces. The drones were spotted between Wednesday and Friday near RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall and RAF Feltwell. “To protect operational security, we do not discuss our specific force protection measures but retain the right to protect the installation,” the Air Force said.
“We continue to monitor our airspace and are working with host-nation authorities and mission partners to ensure the safety of base personnel, facilities and assets," it added in a statement. While it is unclear whether the drones had hostile intent, the incidents came during a week that saw the most significant escalation of hostilities in Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion nearly three years ago.
For the first time, Ukraine struck targets inside Russia with intermediate range missiles supplied by the US and Britain after President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Keir Starmer authorised use of the weapons. In response, Russia launched a new intermediate range ballistic missile at Ukraine, and President Vladimir Putin said his country had the right to strike nations that allow their weapons to be used against Russia.
Britain's Ministry of Defence said “we take threats seriously and maintain robust measures” at military installations. “This includes counter drone security capabilities. We won't comment further on security procedures,” it said.
(With AP inputs)
