The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that a series of drone swarms over RAF bases in the UK were serious enough to be escalated to COBR, the government’s emergency response committee. But despite extensive investigations, questions remain over who was behind the incursions.
Documents released under the Freedom of Information Act show the incidents occurred across three consecutive nights beginning 20 November, with multiple drones detected over and near several RAF sites used by US forces, including Lakenheath in Suffolk, Mildenhall, Feltwell in Norfolk, and Fairford in Gloucestershire.
High-Profile Targets
Lakenheath, home to the US Air Force’s only European F-15 and F-35 fighter wing, was at the centre of the activity. The base is one of the most strategically significant in Britain, with over 4,000 military personnel and future plans to host US nuclear warheads.
Reports suggest the drones were flying at speeds of up to 170mph and at one point pursued a police helicopter. A military source claimed they appeared to be remotely controlled using unusual radio frequencies.
Suspicion Falls on Russia
Investigations are ongoing, with UK and US officials probing possible Kremlin involvement. According to reports, three individuals with links to Russian military and intelligence circles travelled to the UK ahead of the incidents, with one seen close to the perimeter of RAF Mildenhall while drones were active.
The events in Britain coincided with similar drone incursions in Denmark and Norway. Danish police said there was no evidence of intent to cause harm, describing the activity instead as an attempt to “show off.” However, deputy inspector Jakob Hansen conceded it was too early to rule out links to Russia.
Poland, Estonia and Romania have also accused Moscow of recent airspace violations, allegations denied by the Kremlin.
Expert Analysis
Peter Layton, a military aviation analyst at the Griffith Asia Institute, said the repeated flight paths were unusual. “Why go over the same area again and again if the first flight was a success?” he asked, adding that the clear weather may have provided ideal conditions for operators.
Layton noted that while some hobbyist drones are now equipped with advanced sensors, the scale and sophistication of the incidents raised further questions. He also suggested the relatively low security classification of the documents could indicate officials view the matter more as an administrative issue than an operational threat.
Official Responses
The Ministry of Defence has insisted counter-drone systems are in place at all military sites and stressed that the public can be assured of strong protective measures. Defence Minister Lord Coaker told Parliament that all agencies were working together to identify those responsible.
The US Air Force, which has a large presence at the affected bases, has refused to discuss specific security measures. A spokesperson said only that the USAF “retains the right to protect its installations,” while an official from the 48th Fighter Wing confirmed they remain vigilant against unauthorised drone incursions.
For now, the drones have disappeared from UK skies, but the mystery of who controlled them and why, continues to hang over Britain’s most sensitive airbases.
