Unidentified drones sighted over multiple UK-based US airbases

One incident occurred at RAF Lakenheath, which hosts the 48th Fighter Wing along with F-15E Strike Eagle and F-35A Lightning II fighter jets. This base is also preparing to store US nuclear weapons for the first time in 15 years. Reports suggest F-15Es may have been scrambled to intercept these drones; however, confirmation is pending. Drone activity affected flight operations, leading to a suspension of routine flights by F-15 and F-35 jets.

The Air Force did not comment on any deployment of drone defenses but reiterated its "right to protect the installation." A British Ministry of Defence spokesperson stated they would not elaborate on security measures but assured that threats are taken seriously with "robust measures at defence sites," including counter-drone capabilities.

This drone activity occurs amid heightened tensions following Russia's leader Vladimir Putin's comments after Ukraine received authorization from the US and UK to use long-range missiles on Russian territory. Putin warned that such actions could make US and British military installations valid targets.

In recent years, unidentified drone incursions have become frequent at US military installations, raising concerns about airspace safety and potential espionage efforts by foreign state actors targeting sensitive military activities.

A similar incident occurred days before at Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey when Black Hawk helicopters were deployed to intercept sighted drones. There have been numerous other incidents throughout this year, including repeated drone swarms at Langley Air Force Base over a span of 17 days late last year.