---
title: "US Air Force says drones spotted over its military bases in England"
description: "LONDON/WASHINGTON, Nov 26 (Reuters) - A number of unidentified drones have been spotted over three United States Air Force bases in England over the last six days, U.S. officials said on Tuesday."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "Newsdeck"
author: "Reuters"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/reuters/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-11-26-us-air-force-says-drones-spotted-over-its-military-bases-in-england/"
published: "2024-11-26T20:51:21"
updated: "2024-11-26T20:51:23"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 264
---

# US Air Force says drones spotted over its military bases in England

> LONDON/WASHINGTON, Nov 26 (Reuters) - A number of unidentified drones have been spotted over three United States Air Force bases in England over the last six days, U.S. officials said on Tuesday.

By Reuters · Published 26 November 2024, 22:51 SAST · Updated 26 November 2024, 22:51 SAST

## Key points
- In a scene that could be straight out of a spy thriller, small drones have been spotted buzzing over key U.S. Air Force bases in the UK, prompting a serious investigation into whether these high-flying intruders are mere hobbyists or part of a more coordinated operation, while British troops are called in to help crack the case.
- Small drones were observed near RAF Lakenheath, Mildenhall, and Feltwell from November 20-26, raising security concerns.
- Pentagon officials emphasize the seriousness of the incidents, noting no immediate threat to personnel or assets.
- Initial assessments suggest the drones may not be from hobbyists, indicating possible coordination behind the flights.
- British troops have been deployed to assist the U.S. Air Force in investigating the drone incursions.

## Content

"Small unmanned aerial systems were spotted in the vicinity of and over RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, and RAF Feltwell from Nov 20 to Nov 26," a spokesperson said in an emailed response to Reuters.

The three bases, two in Suffolk and one in Norfolk, are leased by the USAF from Britain.

Pentagon spokesman Major General Patrick Ryder said that the U.S. military was taking the incidents seriously.

"Installation leaders have determined so far that none of these incursions impact the base residents, the facilities or the assets that we have on those bases," Ryder said.

He said that small drones are fairly common and it was too soon to draw conclusions about whether they were sent by hobbyists or others.

However, a U.S. official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said it did not appear that the drones were the work of hobbyists and appeared to be coordinated, but added that the U.S. military would continue to investigate.

A spokesperson for Britain's Ministry of Defence (MOD) said they "take threats seriously and maintain robust measures" at defence sites.

"We are supporting the U.S. Air Force response," the spokesperson added.

Citing sources, PA Media reported that British troops have been drafted in to help the U.S. Air Force find out who was responsible for the drones flying over its bases. The Times newspaper said about 60 military personnel have been deployed.

The MOD and the USAF did not immediately reply to a request for comment on the deployment of the troops.

(Reporting by Sarah Young,Catarina Demony, Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart; Editing by Mark Porter)