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2024 US air base drone incursions in the United Kingdom

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Between November 20 and 26, 2024, a series of unauthorized drone activities was reported over and near four US Air Force bases in the United Kingdom: RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, RAF Feltwell, and RAF Fairford. These installations, located in Suffolk, Norfolk, and Gloucestershire, are critical to US military operations in Europe. The drone activity persisted for several days, raising concerns about the coordination and intent behind the incursions.

Incidents

During the incursions, multiple small unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) were observed entering restricted airspace. The drones varied in both number and type.

The incursions prompted joint monitoring and countermeasures by US and UK military personnel. British troops were deployed to assist in tracking and identifying the drone operators, using counter-drone systems such as ORCUS. The incursions also led to disruptions in flight operations, with F-15E Strike Eagles scrambled from RAF Lakenheath to investigate.

Authorities encountered difficulties in identifying the drone operators, raising concerns about potential espionage or hostile surveillance. The incursions heightened worries about the security of critical military infrastructure. Investigations are ongoing, and both the operators and their intentions remain unknown.

Air bases affected

All four bases are considered highly strategic and sensitive. RAF Mildenhall supports refuelling and special operations, while RAF Feltwell provides logistical support for US forces.

RAF Lakenheath hosts the US Air Force's 48th Fighter Wing, operating F-15E Strike Eagles and F-35A Lightning II aircraft. RAF Lakenheath is also slated to house American nuclear weapons, adding to the sensitivity of the incursions.

RAF Fairford hosts a Lockheed U-2S Dragon Lady detachment from the 99th Reconnaissance Squadron and is the US Air Force’s only European airfield for heavy bombers. It routinely supports Bomber Task Force (BTF) operations.

See also

References

  1. Charpentreau, Clément (27 November 2024). "US tightens security at UK bases after drone sightings". www.aerotime.aero. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  2. Grierson, Jamie (23 November 2024). "Unidentified drones spotted over three UK airbases, US air force confirms". The Guardian.
  3. ^ "US airbase drone operators will be prosecuted, says government". www.bbc.com.
  4. ^ Doyle, Liam (23 November 2024). "'Unidentified drones' caught flying over RAF base where US wants to keep nukes". The Mirror.
  5. "Drone incursions over USAF bases in England continue". Yahoo News. 25 November 2024.
  6. Sheridan, Danielle; McArdle, Tom (26 November 2024). "British troops deployed to protect US air bases in UK from drone attacks". The Telegraph.
  7. ^ Vincent, Brandi (26 November 2024). "US, UK jointly tracking mysterious drone incursions near England military bases". DefenseScoop.
  8. "British forces deployed after drones spotted again over three US air bases in UK". Sky News.
  9. "Unauthorised drones continue to plague U.S. Air Force bases in the UK". The Aviationist. 27 November 2024.
  10. ^ "Mystery drones seen over three US air bases in East Anglia". www.bbc.com.
  11. "Why are drones flying near US airbases in Suffolk and Norfolk?". www.bbc.com.
  12. "BOMBER TASK FORCE EUROPE: STRATEGIC BOMBERS SOAR THROUGH NATO'S EASTERN FLANK, COMPLETE SUCCESSFUL 2-MONTH ROTATION". Allied Air Command. 18 April 2022. Retrieved 20 April 2023.
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