Unidentified drones spotted over three RAF airbases but US Air Force says 'unknown if hostile'

Several unexplained drone sightings have raised concerns at three UK airbases. The puzzling events involved "small unmanned aerial systems" appearing over RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk, and RAF Feltwell in Norfolk.

The US Air Force, which operates from these bases, confirmed the incidents occurred between November 20 and 22. While it remains uncertain if the drones posed a threat, the USAF has withheld commenting on any defensive action taken, emphasising their entitlement to safeguard the facilities.

A spokesperson for the US Air Forces in Europe noted: "We can confirm that small unmanned aerial systems (UASs) were spotted in the vicinity of and over RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, and RAF Feltwell between Nov 20 and 22. The number of UASs fluctuated and they ranged in size/configuration."

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They added: "The UASs were actively monitored and installation leaders determined that none of the incursions impacted base residents or critical infrastructure. To protect operational security, we do not discuss our specific force protection measures but retain the right to protect the installation.

"We continue to monitor our airspace and are working with host-nation authorities and mission partners to ensure the safety of base personnel, facilities and assets," reports the Express. On the British side, a Ministry of Defence spokesperson stated: "We take threats seriously and maintain robust measures at defence sites. This includes counter drone security capabilities. We won't comment further on security procedures."

The nation's security has been under scrutiny this week in light of Vladimir Putin's recent televised statement. In a stark address on Thursday, the Russian President announced that Moscow is prepared to attack the military installations of any nation if their weapons were used against Russia, sparking concern in Washington and London.

This follows US President Joe Biden's decision to allow Kyiv the use of ATACMS on targets within Russian territory and subsequent reports of a British-made Storm Shadow missile being deployed in Kursk. Putin, during his speech, also confirmed that Russia had launched a hypersonic medium-range ballistic missile strike on a Ukrainian site and declared that Moscow would "respond symmetrically" to any "escalation".