Unidentified Drone Activity Reported Near US Military Bases in England

Airspace surrounding US airbases in Norfolk and Suffolk has come under scrutiny following multiple recent drone incursions. The individuals responsible for operating these aircraft have yet to be identified, leading nearby residents to question how and why these incidents have been permitted. Drone incursions were initially reported at three US airbases—RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, and RAF Feltwell in Norfolk—between November 20 and 22, with the aircraft subsequently reappearing. In Beck Row, Suffolk, a village adjacent to RAF Mildenhall, residents described observing brightly illuminated aerial vehicles hovering over their homes and the base itself. Casseem Campbell, 28, stated he had seen objects above his house in Beck Row. He recounted seeing a triangle-shaped aerial vehicle, which was “a grey, dark colour,” during one of two evening drone sightings he experienced in the past week. He added, “They were really noisy and had lights. They looked official to be honest.” Campbell also questioned, “If they are a threat, why aren’t they being shot down? Why let them fly over if they’re sinister?” It has since emerged that a drone came within 273.40 yards (250m) of HMS Queen Elizabeth, the Royal Navy’s flagship aircraft carrier, as it entered the Port of Hamburg on November 22. RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, where US B-52 bombers had recently been deployed, also reported a recent sighting. British troops have been deployed to assist US efforts in tracking down those responsible. Chrystal Mason, 40, reported seeing two drones in Beck Row during the past week. The step-daughter of an RAF pilot, she described an orange ball in the night sky and increased activity at the US airbase. She stated, “In the last 10 days I have seen military jeeps around the village. There has been a much higher police presence than usual – military and UK police.” Mrs. Mason also described what she believed was a drone being intercepted, though the BBC has not been able to verify this. The mother-of-one added, “There was a big orange light in the sky and all of a sudden it was gone. I heard people shouting ‘wow’.” Johnny Whitfield, another Beck Row resident, described observing “lots of activity.” He stated, “I’ve seen the drones three or four times,” confirming these sightings occurred at night in the past week. He also described the flying objects as illuminated and hovering over the airbase, though he reported being unable to detect any noise, while noting the objects were large. He added, “All you see is light, but it’s a big, big light.” Whitfield expressed his perception that the US military was being reticent about the situation. He remarked, “You don’t know if they’re foreign or local. [The US Air Force] don’t give out much information. You get more information off Facebook than the base.” All Beck Row residents interviewed by the BBC described increased military activity in the area, alongside a noticeable uptick in planes in the skies. The BBC has also seen evidence that agents from the US Air Force Office of Special Investigations have been present in the Suffolk area, engaging with local people about their observations. Roger Smith, a Suffolk-based military aviation enthusiast, informed the BBC of his belief that US Air Force pilots have recently reverted to more secure communication methods. He stated, “They’re now using an encrypted data link instead of radios when speaking to the ground.” This assertion was supported by another member of the local aircraft spotter community, who also claimed a US Air Force KC-46A Pegasus air refuelling aircraft was diverted to Glasgow Prestwick Airport in Scotland while approaching RAF Mildenhall, due to drone activity. Neither Glasgow Prestwick Airport nor the US Air Force would comment on these claims. Defence sources have informed the BBC that suspicion has fallen on a “state actor” being responsible for the incursions. To date, neither US nor UK authorities have publicly identified potential culprits. On Thursday, Defence minister Lord Coaker told the House of Lords: “The Ministry of Defence is aware of these reports and working closely with the US visiting forces, Home Office police forces and other partners to respond to recent events.” He added, “We take any safety issue seriously and maintain robust measures at Ministry of Defence sites. This includes counter-drone capabilities.” The minister further stated to Parliament: “It is illegal for drones to be flown or within the vicinity of these military sites and people should be aware of that.” He concluded, “This remains a live criminal investigation.” Previously, the Ministry of Defence, which owns the bases, had stated: “We take threats seriously and maintain robust measures at defence sites.” The US Air Force in Europe commented: “To date, installation leaders have determined that none of the incursions impacted base residents, facilities or assets. The Air Force is taking all appropriate measures to safeguard the aforementioned installations and their residents.”