Unidentified drones spotted over military airfield in England

23 November, 2024 American F-15E fighter jets at RAF Lakenheath. Photo credits: John Fielding Unidentified drones have been spotted over RAF Lakenheath in the UK, where American F-15E and F-35A fighters are based.

This is reported by The War Zone. The incident occurred on November 20, 2024, when several unidentified drones appeared over the airbase. They differed in size and performed unknown maneuvers.

"The number of unmanned aerial vehicles varied, and they varied in size and configuration," a spokesman for the US Air Force in Europe and Africa (USAFE) told The War Zone.

RAF Lakenheath air base. Photo credits: John Fielding

The publication notes that, according to unofficial reports, the US Air Force took off to drive away the drones, but the air base representatives did not comment on this information. "To protect operational security, we do not discuss our specific force protection measures, but we reserve the right to defend the facility," the US Air Force officials stated.

It is worth noting that the RAF base is used by the US military, with a significant fleet of aircraft, including strike aircraft and fifth-generation F-35A fighters. These aircraft are involved in international operations in the Middle East and Africa. The emergence of drones over military targets, including airfields, is a cause for concern.

These can be both Russian and amateur drones that often violate the airspace of air bases to take pictures of aircraft.

F-15E fighter jets from the 492nd Squadron at RAF Lakenheath. Photo credits: US Air Force

It is worth noting that unauthorized flights of drones in closed airspace were also recorded in Norway. In August 2024, unidentified drones reconnoitered the Kongsberg production complex, where anti-ship missiles are manufactured.

The company specializes in the production of NSM and JSM anti-ship cruise missiles, NASAMS anti-aircraft missile launchers, and other military equipment. The Swedish Ministry of Defence also reported airspace violations. In September 2024, unidentified drones interfered with the operation of Stockholm-Arlanda Airport, located near the village of Marsta, 42 km north of Stockholm.

Swedish police told local media that before the reports of drones over the airport had been received, their presence had been detected in the center of Uppsala at around 22:00 local time.