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US Bases in United Kingdom Under Surveillance Following Multiple Incursions by Drones.
Since November 20, 2024, several U.S. air bases in the United Kingdom have reported repeated incursions by unidentified drones, raising significant concerns among military and political leaders. The initial incidents were reported near Royal Air Force (RAF) Lakenheath but soon extended to RAF Mildenhall, RAF Feltwell, and, most recently, RAF Fairford, approximately 210 kilometers southwest. RAF Fairford currently hosts four B-52 strategic bombers as part of the Bomber Task Force 25-1 mission.
A B-52H Stratofortress from the 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, La., lands at Royal Air Force Base Fairford, England as part of Bomber Task Force 25-1, Nov. 5, 2024 (Picture source: US DoD)
The U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) confirmed that these incursions, which occurred between November 20 and 24, now include RAF Fairford. While the incidents have not directly impacted base infrastructure or local residents, they pose a security risk. In response, fighter aircraft have been deployed to intercept the drones.
Additionally, approximately 60 British troops, including specialists in counter-drone operations, have been stationed at the bases to strengthen security measures. Nick Timothy, a Member of Parliament representing the Lakenheath and Mildenhall areas, noted that nighttime interceptions have raised concerns among local residents, highlighting the challenges of safeguarding military installations situated near populated areas.
The incidents underscore the limitations faced by military bases operating within a civilian framework. In the United Kingdom, airspace is managed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which enforces regulatory constraints on military actions. These restrictions limit the use of active countermeasures, such as radio jamming or kinetic weapons, complicating responses to drone incursions.
Similar incidents have been recorded in the United States, notably in 2023 at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia, home to F-22 Raptors. According to a senior defense official, the Pentagon records an average of two to three drone incursions weekly near U.S. military installations, although specific locations are not disclosed.
The widespread availability of inexpensive commercial drones exacerbates security concerns. While often used for harmless purposes, drones can be adapted for surveillance or disruption of military activities. The conflict in Ukraine has demonstrated how commercial drones can be modified for reconnaissance or offensive missions, increasing their potential threat in military contexts.
To address this growing risk, the U.S. Air Force is exploring cost-effective solutions to counter individual drones and drone swarms, avoiding the expense of traditional missile-based systems. Research is focused on technologies such as directed-energy weapons, electronic jamming systems, and advanced sensors to detect incursions in real time.
The impacted bases, particularly RAF Lakenheath and RAF Fairford, are critical to U.S. military operations in Europe. RAF Lakenheath hosts squadrons of F-15E Strike Eagle and F-35A Lightning II fighter jets, while RAF Fairford serves as a temporary base for B-52 bombers, which are essential for strategic deterrence and power projection missions.
Although U.S. and British officials have stated that operational missions remain unaffected, these incursions highlight potential vulnerabilities. Enhanced bilateral cooperation between the United Kingdom and the United States will be vital to identify those responsible for the incursions, understand their objectives, and strengthen defensive capabilities against this emerging threat.
The repeated drone incursions near U.S. bases in the United Kingdom underscore the evolving challenges posed by modern threats in a global military environment. These incidents demand a coordinated strategic response and the implementation of advanced technologies to protect critical military infrastructure. Without rapid enhancement of defensive measures, such incursions could become a recurring issue, jeopardizing the security of bases and the stability of international military operations.