Recent reports confirm the sighting of unidentified drones flying over three United States Air Force bases in Britain. The Royal Air Force's Lakenheath, Mildenhall, and Feltwell bases, all utilized by the USAF, experienced drone activity between Wednesday and Saturday.
A spokesperson for the US Air Forces in Europe disclosed that the drones varied in size and configuration, with fluctuating numbers observed during the incursions. Fortunately, base authorities determined that these drone sightings did not pose a threat to residents or critical infrastructure.
Britain's Ministry of Defence emphasized their commitment to security measures at defense sites, including the deployment of counter-drone capabilities to address potential threats.
The three bases, situated in close proximity in eastern England, serve vital roles in US military operations. Mildenhall has been home to the sole permanent American wing in Europe conducting air refueling operations since 1992, while Lakenheath accommodates the USAF's 48th Fighter Wing, which has been involved in missions in Afghanistan and Iraq post-9/11.
Notably, in 2017, an incident occurred at Mildenhall when a vehicle attempted to breach the base entrance, prompting US personnel to fire shots and briefly lockdown the facility.
Both the US and UK governments have refrained from providing further details on the drone sightings, underscoring the sensitivity of the matter and ongoing security protocols in place.
