Unidentified drones spotted over three UK airbases, US air force confirms
Guardian3 days
UK: British, US Forces Investigating Drone Sightings Over US Airbases
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Above: A sign above the entrance to RAF Lakenheath is pictured during a protest by the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) on May 11, 2024, in Lakenheath, UK. Image copyright: Mark Kerrison/Contributor/In Pictures via Getty Images
The Facts
In the UK, multiple unidentified drones were reportedly spotted over US airbases RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk, and RAF Feltwell in Norfolk between Nov. 20-22, prompting responses by both the UK and US military.
The US Air Force in Europe (USAFE) confirmed that the unmanned aerial systems varied in size and configuration, with sightings fluctuating between bases during nighttime hours. However, it was claimed that no operational impacts were reported.
The Spin
Narrative A
The coordinated nature and timing of these drone activities suggest a potentially state-sponsored operation targeting critical military infrastructure. Given the ongoing hostilities between Russia and the West, Pres. Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin should certainly be considered chief suspects for any covert espionage of US-UK military facilities.
Narrative B
While the origins of the drones remain a mystery, it's notable that one of the sites — RAF Lakenheath — is most likely seeing the return of US nuclear weapons. Given this well-known and unwise escalation of tensions, it's little surprise that US-UK military bases are beginning to gather unwanted attention.
