Calls for accountability are growing louder as the investigation into suspicious drone sightings near UK military air bases takes a serious turn. A senior Conservative MP has demanded that the Russian ambassador be summoned to the Foreign Office to explain the increasing reports of suspected Russian links to these incursions.
On Friday, The i Paper revealed a concerning connection between three individuals with ties to Russian military and intelligence. These individuals stayed near top-secret UK air bases, where suspicious drone activity was recorded.
One of the individuals was seen just metres from the perimeter of RAF Mildenhall, while drones were spotted in the area. At least two of the trio are believed to have worked as seasonal fruit pickers close to the airbases, visiting fields near the bases at night.
These revelations have raised serious questions about potential Russian involvement in the incidents at RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk last November.
A Call for Swift Action
Alicia Kearns, the Conservative’s shadow security minister, has strongly urged the Government to take immediate action. She insists that the Russian ambassador should be summoned for questioning, stating:
“Evidence that Russia has been conducting drone reconnaissance at sensitive air bases reflects the growing risk from an increasingly desperate and hostile Kremlin. Any attempt by Russian intelligence to spy on, or interfere with, UK or allied defence and civil infrastructure must be met with a firm response. The Russian Ambassador should have been summoned. If they haven’t, why not?”
Kearns further stressed the need for a thorough investigation, calling for the individuals responsible to be identified, arrested, or declared persona non grata. She also believes allied nations should be made aware of these developments to protect their own security.
The Defence Committee Takes Action
The House of Commons Defence Committee has confirmed that it will consider the growing evidence of suspected Russian involvement in the drone sightings as part of an inquiry into “grey zone” activity by hostile states.
Tan Dhesi, chair of the committee, expressed concern over the rising threat posed by “grey zone” activities, covert operations conducted by nations in the space between peace and war. He added:
“Attempts by hostile states to undermine the UK’s defence and security are extremely concerning. The drone activity around UK military bases should be investigated fully. Our inquiry into ‘grey zone’ defence will explore how the UK can better prepare for the full range of security challenges coming from hostile states, including Russia.”
Suspected Russian Links to Drone Sightings
The evidence of Russian involvement in the drone incidents is based on a database of open-source location data shared with The i Paper by a former intelligence official. While not definitive proof, this data strongly suggests that Russian influence operations could be at play.
Officials from both the UK and the US have been briefed on the findings, which link the drone activity near UK air bases, where the US Air Force stores advanced aircraft and defence technology, to potential Russian intelligence operations.
A senior former British military intelligence official, who has reviewed the database, described the activity as “grey area espionage”, where countries carry out covert operations while avoiding full-scale conflict.
Rising Political Pressure
As the investigation continues, more senior politicians are demanding action. Julian Lewis, the former chair of the Defence Select Committee, has called on the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to make a statement in the House of Commons as soon as possible, citing credible evidence of Russian involvement.
Nick Timothy, the MP for West Suffolk, where RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath are located, has also voiced his concerns. He said he expects a full investigation by the MoD and plans to write to Defence Secretary John Healey to ensure that local residents are kept well-informed.
Timothy, a former chief of staff under Prime Minister Theresa May, said:
“These are concerning reports, and I expect them to be investigated in full. I will write to the Defence Secretary to ask him, understanding the need for some discretion with issues of national security, to be as transparent as possible with local residents.”
The Use of Drones in Espionage
Drones have increasingly become a tool for international espionage, as they can be flown into restricted airspace to test how authorities respond. Fitted with specialist surveillance equipment, they can run reconnaissance missions without being detected.
RAF Lakenheath is of particular concern due to its significance as a potential storage site for US nuclear weapons.
In response to the revelations, a Ministry of Defence spokesperson said:
“We will not be offering a running commentary on operational security matters, however, the public can rest assured that we take threats seriously and maintain robust measures at defence sites.”
A US Air Forces Europe spokesperson confirmed that small unmanned aerial systems had been spotted in the vicinity of RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, and RAF Feltwell between November 20 and 22. The spokesperson stressed that the incursions had been closely monitored but did not pose a direct threat to base residents or critical infrastructure. They assured that force protection measures remain in place to safeguard personnel, facilities, and assets.
