2024 US air base drone incursions in the United Kingdom
Between November 20 and 26, 2024,[1] 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.[2][3] These installations, located in Suffolk, Norfolk, and Gloucestershire, are critical to US military operations in Europe.[4] The drone activity persisted for several days, raising concerns about the coordination and intent behind the incursions.[5]
Incidents
[edit]During the incursions, multiple small unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) were observed entering restricted airspace.[3] The drones varied in both number and type.[6]
The incursions prompted joint monitoring and countermeasures by US and UK military personnel.[7] British troops were deployed to assist in tracking and identifying the drone operators, using counter-drone systems such as ORCUS.[8] The incursions also led to disruptions in flight operations, with F-15E Strike Eagles scrambled from RAF Lakenheath to investigate.[9]
Authorities encountered difficulties in identifying the drone operators, raising concerns about potential espionage or hostile surveillance.[7] The incursions heightened worries about the security of critical military infrastructure. Investigations are ongoing, and both the operators and their intentions remain unknown.[10][11]
Air bases affected
[edit]All four bases are considered highly strategic and sensitive.[10] RAF Mildenhall supports refuelling and special operations, while RAF Feltwell provides logistical support for US forces.[10]
RAF Lakenheath hosts the US Air Force's 48th Fighter Wing, operating F-15E Strike Eagles and F-35A Lightning II aircraft.[10] RAF Lakenheath is also slated to house American nuclear weapons, adding to the sensitivity of the incursions.[4]
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.[12]
See also
[edit]- Rendlesham Forest incident
- 2024 New Jersey drone sightings
- List of unmanned aerial vehicle-related incidents
References
[edit]- ^ Charpentreau, Clément (27 November 2024). "US tightens security at UK bases after drone sightings". www.aerotime.aero. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
- ^ Grierson, Jamie (23 November 2024). "Unidentified drones spotted over three UK airbases, US air force confirms". The Guardian.
- ^ a b "US airbase drone operators will be prosecuted, says government". www.bbc.com.
- ^ a b Doyle, Liam (23 November 2024). "'Unidentified drones' caught flying over RAF base where US wants to keep nukes". The Mirror.
- ^ "Drone incursions over USAF bases in England continue". Yahoo News. 25 November 2024.
- ^ Sheridan, Danielle; McArdle, Tom (26 November 2024). "British troops deployed to protect US air bases in UK from drone attacks". The Telegraph.
- ^ a b Vincent, Brandi (26 November 2024). "US, UK jointly tracking mysterious drone incursions near England military bases". DefenseScoop.
- ^ "British forces deployed after drones spotted again over three US air bases in UK". Sky News.
- ^ "Unauthorised drones continue to plague U.S. Air Force bases in the UK". The Aviationist. 27 November 2024.
- ^ a b c d "Mystery drones seen over three US air bases in East Anglia". www.bbc.com.
- ^ "Why are drones flying near US airbases in Suffolk and Norfolk?". www.bbc.com.
- ^ "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.