British troops have been deployed to safeguard several US air bases in England amid reports of unidentified drones flying near the facilities over the past week.
Soldiers equipped with counter-drone and surveillance technology have been stationed at RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk, as well as RAF Feltwell in Norfolk. The deployment is expected to remain in place as long as the threat persists, according to sources.
According to the Telegraph, RAF Regiment has dispatched personnel trained in operating the cutting-edge Orcus Counter-Uncrewed Air System to bolster security at the bases. Orcus, which can detect, track, identify, and neutralise hostile drones, plays a crucial role in safeguarding critical infrastructure, including air bases, from aerial threats.
Mystery Drones Spark Security Fears
RAF sources have described the situation as unclear, with the origins of the drones still undetermined. “We don’t know whether we are dealing with a troublemaker or something more sinister,” an insider told The Telegraph.
The sightings have raised alarms on both sides of the Atlantic. The US Air Force, which oversees operations at the three bases, has confirmed ongoing monitoring of airspace after reports of “small unmanned aerial systems” near the facilities last week. A spokesman for the US Air Force in Europe said the situation is under close observation but stressed that the drones have not yet been identified as hostile.
“Since November 20, there has been no impact to residents or infrastructure,” the spokesman stated. “However, they are still continuously being monitored to ensure the safety and security of the installations.”
Counter-Drone Measures on Land and Sea
The incidents coincide with reports of a mystery drone shadowing HMS Queen Elizabeth, Britain’s flagship aircraft carrier, as it entered the German port of Hamburg last Friday. These events have heightened concerns about drone activity targeting sensitive military operations and infrastructure.
RAF Lakenheath houses the US Air Force’s 48th Fighter Wing, which includes state-of-the-art F-35A and F-15E fighter jets. Nearby RAF Mildenhall is home to the USAF’s 100th Air Refuelling Wing, critical to combat support missions across Europe and Africa. RAF Feltwell provides housing and support services for military personnel.
Ministry of Defence Responds
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has vowed to take the situation seriously. “We take threats seriously and maintain robust measures at defence sites. We are supporting the US Air Force response,” an MoD spokesman said.
The deployment underscores the growing security challenges posed by drone technology, which can evade traditional surveillance and pose significant risks to military operations. While the origin and intent of the recent drone activity remain unknown, authorities are leaving no stone unturned in ensuring the safety of these strategically vital bases.
Photographer: AS1 Amber Mayall RAF – UK MOD © Crown copyright 2024. MOD Crown Copyright News / Editorial Licence.
