LONDON, U.K. — Unidentified drones have been observed flying over three British air bases utilized by the U.S. Air Force, officials confirmed on Tuesday.
The drones, described as “small unmanned aerial systems,” were first sighted last week over Royal Air Force (RAF) Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, and RAF Feltwell, according to a statement from the U.S. Air Forces in Europe. The statement noted that the drones varied in number, size, and configuration.
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Locations of Concern
The three bases are situated in close proximity in eastern England, between the cities of Cambridge and Norwich, approximately two hours north of London. These bases play a critical role in supporting U.S. Air Force operations in Europe and beyond.
“To safeguard operational security, we do not discuss specific force protection measures; however, we retain the right to protect our installations,” the U.S. Air Force stated.
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Situation Still Ongoing
On Tuesday, a U.S. Air Force spokesperson confirmed that the drone activity remains an ongoing issue.
“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,” the spokesperson said.
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Unidentified Drones Pentagon Response
At a press briefing on Tuesday, Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder addressed the incidents, emphasizing that the drones are being closely monitored but have not yet caused disruptions to the bases or their personnel.
“The bottom line is, it’s something that we’re going to take seriously. We’re continuing to look into it, but as of right now, it has not had any significant mission impact,” Ryder said.
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Security Implications
The repeated presence of drones over sensitive military installations has raised concerns about potential threats to operational security. Authorities have not disclosed details about the origin of the drones or their operators.
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The U.S. Air Force, in coordination with British authorities, is continuing efforts to identify the source of the drone activity and mitigate any risks posed to critical infrastructure.
