Mystery drones over airbases show ‘vulnerability of UK infrastructure’
Unidentified drones have been reported over RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, and RAF Feltwell in recent weeks, sparking security concerns at the U.S. Air Force-operated bases in the UK.
US and UK agencies are working to investigate the incursions, which remain under scrutiny amidst growing concerns about drone activity near sensitive military sites.
The incidents have raised questions over the vulnerability of infrastructure on UK soil.
A spokesperson for the US Air Forces in Europe said a number of drones were seen “during nighttime hours” and that the number “fluctuated and varied between the bases over the night”.
Intelligence expert Prof Philip Davies, director of the Brunel Centre for Intelligence and Security Studies (BCISS), described the drone flights as “odd” from an intelligence gathering perspective.
“Major powers like Russia rely on high res satellite imagery from the safe legal ground above 100km. But their satellite programme has been chronically troubled with production problems and failures.”
He said: “Possibility one is that Russian military intelligence, the GRU, is filling gaps in its satellite reconnaissance using drones operated by infiltrated personnel or local agents. The second obvious candidate would be mainland China, whose satellites are poorly positioned for good imagery of the northern hemisphere.
“Possibility two is that the GRU is using them for close reconnaissance of particular facilities (radar or air defence outfits) or specific vehicles.
“Possibility three is more alarming — these could be probing exercises or rehearsals for drone strikes, possibly by GRU, terrorist groups, or proxies. This may not mean strikes are imminent, but suggests a latent capability being rehearsed.”
He added: “This reminds us how vulnerable all infrastructure—public and private—is to uncrewed air systems. You may recall the 2018 Gatwick drone incident.
“Detection, enforcement, and response capabilities are still inadequate. Many such sites have drone exclusion zones but enforcement is patchy.”
Photo: U.S. Airmen assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing prepare for take offs at RAF Lakenheath, as the aircraft heads to the Tactical Leadership Programme in Spain, Sept. 20, 2024. The 494th Fighter Squadron participated in the TLP in Spain to strengthen alliances and enhance interoperability among partner nations’ air forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Renee Nicole S.N. Finona)
