On Friday, The War Zone broke the news about a multi-drone incursion of the U.S. Air Force’s master fighter base in the United Kingdon, RAF Lakenheath. Since then we have received information that the incursions were more widespread, occurring around multiple bases. Now we have confirmed that the drones are back near RAF Lakenheath as well as RAF Mildenhall, which is a very concerning development to say the least.
A U.S. defense official confirmed to us this morning that the drone flights have resumed near both installations. While RAF Lakenheath houses primarily squadrons of F-15E Strike Eagle and F-35A Joint Strike Fighters, RAF Mildenhall hosts strategic surveillance aircraft and aerial refueling tankers. There are claims that F-15E Strike Eagles were launched to investigate from the air during the RAF Lakenheath today. We received the same information during the first incursions last week, although we cannot confirm the fighter’s involvement in the response, flight tracking information posted online does appear to support this.
The original incident at Lakenheath was not an isolated one. Similar drone incursions happened around the same time at RAF Mildenhall and RAF Feltwell between November 20th and 22nd, according to USAFE.
U.K. Ministry of Defense provided TWZ.com a statement Monday morning as well, stating, in part:
“We employ multi-layered and credible force protection measures, we will not go into specifics and it would be inappropriate to comment further on operational security matters, however, we can confirm we are working closely with USVF [U.S. Visiting Force), Police and other partners to respond to recent events]
Further details remain limited at this time, but clearly these events are going to result in a more expansive response by the U.S. Air Force and the United Kingdom. What that will look like remains unclear.”
There is much about these events that we do not know. While “the number of UASs fluctuated and they ranged in size/configuration” according to the USAF, exactly what their configurations were remains unclear as does their specific pattern of operations. We also don’t know what drone awareness capabilities are deployed to these bases and when they were installed if so. Regardless, this is turning out to be major string of events that is going to require a very robust response in terms of technical capabilities and resources to investigate and potentially mitigate. We should see that response taking shape in the hours and days to come.
TWZ has led coverage over many years on the major threat drones pose to military installations, infrastructure, VIPs and more. These latest incidents in the U.K. come eleven months after a similar rash of drone incursions occurred over Langley AFB in Virginia, a story TWZ exclusively broke in March. The USAF’s highly sensitive Plant 42 in Palmdale has also become a major drone incursion hotspot since then. Just last week another major scare occurred a major Army testing area. There has also been real fears that Russia may attempt to strike NATO airfields with drones, which has led to major alert posture changes at some facilities.
Regardless, the Langley drone incursions were a turning point of sorts, with this issue now being taken far more seriously after being largely brushed aside for years even though the threat had displayed itself multiple times over some of the most sensitive U.S. facilities and assets.
This is a rapidly developing story, we will update you as soon as we get more information.
Update: 5:47 PM Eastern –
Col. Jack R. Arthaud, commander of the 48th Fighter Wing, RAF Lakenheath, addressed the drone incursions in a Facebook message to the wing.
“You are most likely aware that we have experienced several sUAS or small drone sightings across the tri-base area since 20 Nov. They are being actively monitored and have not impacted base residents or infrastructure.
If you see anything suspicious, to include sUAS’s or drone activity within the tri-base area, please contact either local police or Security Forces. The Liberty Wing is taking all appropriate measures to safeguard RAF Lakenheath, RAF Feltwell and residents.”
Meanwhile, the FBI is continuing to look into the drone incursion over Picatinny Arsenal, a story we broke last week.
“At the moment, we’re working with our federal, state and local partners on the matter,” spokesperson Amy Thoreson told us Monday afternoon. “Unfortunately, I don’t have many details to provide, but if that changes, I will absolutely let you know.”
Contact the author: Tyler@twz.com