Bob Jones / RAF Lakenheath boundary fence
Incursions at RAF Lakenheath, Mildenhall, and Feltwell Prompt Investigation
Unidentified drones were observed flying over three Royal Air Force (RAF) bases used by the United States Air Force (USAF) in eastern England. The sightings, which occurred between Wednesday and Saturday, have prompted investigations by U.S. and U.K. defense officials.
The bases—Lakenheath, Mildenhall, and Feltwell—are vital to U.S. military operations in Europe. Lakenheath is home to America’s F-35/F-15 fighter wing, while Mildenhall houses the only permanent U.S. air refueling wing in Europe.
Drone Swarm Activity
The drones varied in size and configuration, and their activity appeared coordinated, according to a source familiar with the matter. Approximately five to six drones were spotted, and their origin remains unknown.
“Installation leaders determined that none of the incursions impacted base residents or critical infrastructure,” a spokesperson for the U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) stated. The U.S. military confirmed that the drones did not disrupt operations or pose a direct threat to personnel.
Troops monitoring the drones noted they did not collect sensitive intelligence. However, the nature of their activity has raised concerns. A U.S. defense official reported that these were not typical hobbyist drones, but no further details were provided.
To address potential security risks, USAFE noted: “To safeguard operational security, we do not discuss specific force protection measures, however we retain the right to protect our installations.”
Counter-Drone Security Measures
A CNN article quotes a U.K. Ministry of Defence commenting on the situation, emphasizing their commitment to security. “We take threats seriously and maintain robust measures at defence sites. This includes counter-drone security capabilities,” said a Ministry spokesperson.
Both the U.S. and U.K. declined to elaborate further on the incidents or the countermeasures employed.
Broader Implications
This is not the first time unidentified drones have been reported near U.S. military installations. In December 2023, a swarm of drones was observed near Langley Air Force Base in Virginia. Earlier this month, residents in New Jersey near a U.S. Army base reported unidentified drones.
The Pentagon’s office investigating Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAPs) recently disclosed that it has received 18 reports of mysterious aircraft flying near U.S. nuclear weapons sites.
The proximity of the three bases in eastern England, combined with their strategic importance, underscores the significance of these incursions. Lakenheath, Mildenhall, and Feltwell are located within a few miles of each other, forming a critical hub for U.S. operations in Europe.
Investigations Continue
U.S. defense officials and their U.K. counterparts are continuing to investigate the origin and purpose of the drones. As no immediate threat to security was identified, the incidents remain a developing story
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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