Unidentified drones spotted over three US bases in UK

Sunday, 24 November 2024 03:03

Unidentified drones were spotted over three airbases in the UK this week, the US Air Force (USAF) has confirmed.

The incidents involved "small unmanned aerial systems" between 20 and 22 November over RAF Feltwell in Norfolk and Suffolk-based RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall.

It's not clear if the drones were considered hostile, according to the USAF, which uses the bases.

The air force said it maintains the "right to protect" installations but didn't say if any defence mechanisms were used.

"The number of UASs (unmanned aerial systems) fluctuated and they ranged in size/configuration," the USAF said.

"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."

Read more:
Russia 'ready to hit UK with wave of cyber attacks'
Absence of defensive shield should ring alarm bells

A spokesperson for the UK's Ministry of Defence said: "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."

Sky News

More from Q Radio National News

Storm Bert: Man dies and 10 rescued after landslide as 'multiple-hazard event' causes chaos around UK

A man has died and 10 people, including five children, have been rescued after a landslide as Storm Bert batters the UK.
Justice secretary's assisted dying intervention is explosive - and potentially embarrassing for the PM

With six days to go before Friday's historic Commons showdown on assisted dying, it's the opponents who are turning up the heat.
COP29 strikes last ditch deal on funding for climate measures in vulnerable countries

The COP29 climate talks have reached a last ditch deal on cash for developing countries, pulling the summit back from the brink of collapse after a group of countries stormed out of a negotiating room earlier.
Russia ready to hit UK with wave of cyber attacks, minister will warn

Russia is prepared to launch a wave of cyber attacks on Britain - and can "turn the lights off for millions of people", a minister will warn.
John Prescott's legacy shows the job of deputy prime minister is one worth having

"Giant", "titan", "the Labour Party could never have won three consecutive terms without John".
Cat wriggles through drainpipe - but with less-than-purrfect results

A cat had to be freed from a drainpipe by firefighters after getting stuck in the middle of wriggling through.
Daily home activities - like folding clothes and sitting on a sofa - could give off clouds of microplastics, scientists warn

Routine domestic activities could expose people to a cloud of plastic particles so small that they can be inhaled deep into the lungs, according to research seen exclusively by Sky News.
'Love you bro': Zayn Malik's tribute to Liam Payne at first show since former bandmate's death

Zayn Malik paid tribute to former One Direction bandmate Liam Payne as he kicked off his solo tour.
Kanye West accused of sexual assault on set of music video in new lawsuit

Rapper Ye - formerly known as Kanye West - has been accused of sexual assault in a civil lawsuit that alleges he strangled a model on the set of a music video.