United Kingdom
Between 20 and 26 November 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] Residents of Beck Row, Suffolk, located next to an RAF base, also reported drone sightings. [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] About sixty British combat troops were deployed to help to defend US bases against drones. [11]
Incidents
During the incursions, multiple small unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) were observed entering restricted airspace. [3] The drones varied in both number and type. [12]
The incursions prompted joint monitoring and countermeasures by US and UK military personnel. [13] British troops were deployed to assist in tracking and identifying the drone operators, using counter-drone systems such as ORCUS. [11] The incursions also led to disruptions in flight operations, with F-15E Strike Eagles scrambled from RAF Lakenheath to investigate. [14]
Authorities encountered difficulties in identifying the drone operators, raising concerns about potential espionage or hostile surveillance. [13] The incursions heightened worries about the security of critical military infrastructure. Investigations are ongoing, and both the operators and their intentions remain unknown. [8] [15]
According to The New York Times , military analysts have concluded that the reported drones may have been on surveillance mission for a state actor. [16]
Air bases affected
All four bases are considered highly strategic and sensitive. [8] RAF Mildenhall supports refuelling and special operations, while RAF Feltwell provides logistical support for US forces. [8]
RAF Lakenheath hosts the US Air Force's 48th Fighter Wing, operating F-15E Strike Eagles and F-35A Lightning II aircraft. [8] 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. [17]
Germany
In August 2024, there were some reports of unidentified drones around US bases; at the time this was not the major news item that it later became in December 2024. One drone was reported to have traveled at 100 miles per hour. Various German officials began inestigations. [18] German news outlets reported some drone sightings over a chemical park in Brunsbuettel. [19] One NATO air base raised its alert level due to drones. [20] [18]
In summer 2024, the prosecutor's office in Flensburg began investigating possible threats of espionage due to concerns about drones. [21] German authorities began an official investigation into overflights by unknown drones, at sensitive sites. [22]
The US military confirmed increased sightings around bases in Germany in December 2024. This included Ramstein Air Base. [23] [24] These sightings were reported in the newsmagazine Der Spiegel, as well as various US and UK news publications. [25] [26] Sightings were also reported around industrial facilities owned by Rheinmetall, a manufacturer of various weapons. [27] This was discussed at an official conference by interior ministers from German states. [21]
