The US Air Force announced today that several small drones were detected this week in eastern England around three bases used by US forces, the Associated Press reported, citing BTA.
The drones were spotted between Wednesday and Friday near the bases of Lakenheath, Mildenhall; and “Feltwell”. The aircraft were actively monitored after being spotted near and over the three bases, USAF Europe said in a statement.
The Air Force did not identify who was behind the incursions, but said base officials determined there was no impact on residents or critical infrastructure.
In “Lakenheath” deployed the 48th Fighter Wing, which the US Air Force describes as the backbone of its combat capabilities in Europe. In “Mildenhall” is the 100th Air Refueling Wing, and at “Feltwell” there are homes, schools and other facilities.
„To protect operational security, we do not discuss our specific force protection measures, but we reserve the right to protect facilities,” the Air Force said. “We continue to monitor our airspace and work with host nation authorities and mission partners to ensure the safety of personnel, facilities and base assets.“
Although it is unclear whether the drones had hostile intent, the incidents occurred in a week that has seen the most significant escalation of hostilities in Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion nearly three years ago, AP noted.
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Ukraine hit targets in Russia for the first time with medium-range missiles supplied by the US and Britain after US President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer authorized the use of the weapons.
In response, Russia launched a new intermediate-range ballistic missile against Ukraine, and Russian President Vladimir Putin said his country has the right to strike countries that allow their weapons to be used against Russia.
“Lakenheath“, “Mildenhall“ and “Feltwell”, located close to each other in the counties of Suffolk and Norfolk, are Royal Air Force bases used primarily by the United States Air Force.
The British Ministry of Defense said that "we take threats seriously and maintain strict measures" in the military facilities.
„This includes defense capabilities against drones. We will not comment further on security procedures,”, the message says.