Mystery drones over RAF Lakenheath spark security concerns
The portal twz.com reports on mysterious drones that have been observed over the RAF Lakenheath base, where the United States Air Force is also stationed. The incident occurred on 20th November. This is yet another such violation in recent months.
RAF Lakenheath Base is located 113 kilometres northeast of London. It is the only fourth and fifth generation fighter wing of the United States Air Force in Europe. The base houses F-35A and F-15E aircraft. The unit has over 4,000 soldiers, as well as more than 1,500 British and American civilians.
Drones over the American base. Incident in the United Kingdom
As reported by twz.com, on 20th November, an incident unfolded near the base. Several drones were seen moving around the base and directly over it.
The number of UASs fluctuated and they ranged in size/configuration. The UASs were actively monitored and installation leaders determined that none of the incursions impacted base residents or critical infrastructure, a spokesperson for the United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa (USAFE) conveyed.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that F-15E Strike Eagle fighters were dispatched to pursue the drones. According to these reports, flight operations at the base were disrupted. The Air Force did not comment on this information.
The most concerning fact is that this is not the first such incident. Two days before the incident at Lakenheath, mysterious drones also appeared over Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. Army installation in northern New Jersey. The FBI is investigating the matter.
Meanwhile, last winter, drones reportedly troubled the American base in Langley. Although the machines did not behave aggressively, they posed a threat to the functioning of the unit. It is not known where the drones originated from. Certainly, one hypothesis may indicate espionage activity, but sometimes the causes can be simpler than they appear.
