The United States Air Force confirmed that it responded to reports of "suspected unauthorised drone activity" over RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk on Friday evening. According to a spokesperson for the US Air Force, the incident resulted in no impact on personnel, aircraft, or base infrastructure.
While officials have not provided further details regarding the nature of the drones, the report follows unconfirmed accounts from residents in a nearby village who claimed to hear sirens sounding at the base. Nick Timothy, the Member of Parliament for West Suffolk, stated that he had been in communication with base authorities.
He confirmed that the incident has been resolved and that there is "no threat to the public." In a social media update, Timothy encouraged the public to continue reporting anything suspicious or unusual to the authorities, citing the current raised threat level.
The Ministry of Defence has also been contacted for comment regarding the situation.
RAF Lakenheath serves as the home to the 48th Fighter Wing, also known as the Liberty Wing. As the largest US fighter operation in Europe, the base hosts nearly 7,000 active-duty personnel and operates four combat-ready fighter squadrons.
Security at US military bases in the UK has been under increased scrutiny following an incident at RAF Fairford in September.
During that event, police discovered petrol near the base, though no explosives were found. The Crown Prosecution Service has since charged two men in connection with the incident, which Prime Minister Andy Burnham suggested involved Iranian influence. Although Iran denied responsibility, the US removed all of its bombers from the base in October.
Earlier this week, at least 12 US Air Force aircraft departed from the nearby RAF Mildenhall base, including two Boeing Stratotanker KC-135 refuelling aircraft, with reports indicating one landed at Prestwick Airport near Glasgow and another headed toward Germany.
Downing Street has maintained that security at British airbases remains a "top priority."
