LONDON – The skies over four U.S. military bases in England have recently been buzzing with activity, and not the type usually associated with the military. British and American authorities are now investigating after multiple sightings of drones in the vicinity of the bases, raising concerns of potential deception or sabotage by a hostile nation such as Russia.
In a statement released on Wednesday, U.S. Air Forces in Europe confirmed that “small unmanned aerial systems” have been spotted near RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, RAF Feltwell, and RAF Fairford since November 20th. The sightings have varied in size and configuration, and while there has been no impact on base residents, facilities, or assets, the air force is taking necessary measures to safeguard the bases and their residents.
RAF Lakenheath, located in the east of England, is home to the U.S. Air Force 48th Fighter Wing and is a vital part of their combat capability in Europe. It also houses several F-35 stealth fighter jets and other aircraft. Similarly, RAF Fairford in the west of England is currently hosting four American B-52 strategic bombers. The Pentagon has stated that they are closely monitoring the situation, with Pentagon spokesperson Major General Patrick Ryder reassuring the public that there has been no significant mission impact so far. He also added that sightings of drones have become increasingly common in today’s landscape.
To ensure the safety of the bases, the British government has deployed approximately 60 soldiers to patrol the area. British Defense Minister Maria Eagle has stated that they are implementing “multilayered force protection measures” and will not hesitate to use the full force of the law against anyone caught engaging in such behavior.
Experts believe that the coordinated nature of these sightings suggests that they are not the work of hobbyists. David Dunn, a professor of international politics at the University of Birmingham, has extensively researched the potential dangers posed by drones. He believes that these incidents are particularly alarming since there have been sightings of various sizes of drones, indicating a planned and organized effort. Not only do these drones disrupt air operations, but they also have the potential to gather intelligence on the number of planes, their location, and movements. Dunn also points out that they could potentially target individuals, putting them at risk.
One of the bases affected, RAF Feltwell, serves as living quarters for U.S. military personnel. This has raised concerns as it could potentially expose the most vulnerable part of the base – the aircrew. Dunn explains, “In an age where we have highly sophisticated aircraft, the most vulnerable part of the system is the aircrew. If you can identify where they live, you can break the weakest link in the chain.”
The Times of London has reported that authorities have not ruled out Russia as the possible culprit. Dunn believes that there is evidence to suggest that Moscow is stepping up its use of hybrid attacks, a form of non-military warfare that can still be destructive. These attacks could include the disruption of undersea cables, sending incendiary parcels to cities, and even hiring criminals in the UK to carry out attacks on their behalf.
The Russian Embassy in London has not responded to requests for comment. However, this is not the first time Moscow has denied any involvement in hybrid attacks on the West. With tensions rising, it is crucial for both the British and American authorities to continue their investigation and take necessary precautions to protect their bases and personnel.
In conclusion, the recent sightings of drones over U.S. military bases in England have raised concerns about potential hostile activities. The British and American authorities are working together to investigate the matter and ensure the safety of their bases and residents. As technology continues to advance, it is essential to remain vigilant and take necessary measures to protect against potential threats.
