The British Ministry of Defence is taking the ‘threat seriously’ after a number of unidentified drones were spotted over three US airbases in Britain.
“Small unmanned aerial systems” were spotted over RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall, in Suffolk, and RAF Feltwell, in Norfolk between November 20 and 22.
A spokesperson for the British 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.”
The United States Air Force (USAF), said it was unclear at this stage whether the drones were considered hostile and are continuing to “monitor our airspace”.
USAF declined to comment on whether any defence mechanisms were used, but said it retains “the right to protect” installations.
A spokesperson for US Air Forces in Europe said: “We can confirm that small unmanned aerial systems (UASs) were spotted in the vicinity of and over RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall and RAF Feltwell between Nov 20 and 22. The number of UASs fluctuated and they ranged in size/configuration.
“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.”
Earlier this week Defence Secretary John Healey announced that a series of projects amounting to £500 million would be scrapped in a bid to save money.
Mr Healey also refused to confirm reports that British-made Storm Shadow missiles had been fired by Ukraine into Russia.
Russia’s military said it has shot down two of the long-range missiles following reports that debris from the weapons had been discovered in the country’s Kursk region, which borders Ukraine.
