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Unidentified drones have been spotted over joint U.S.-U.K. military bases in the United Kingdom for the second consecutive week. The "swarms of small drones" have been seen over four U.S. military bases that house American F-15 Strike Eagle and F-35 fighter jets since November 20.
The bases targeted include RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, and RAF Feltwell in eastern England, as well as RAF Fairford in southwestern England. Military officials have expressed alarm at what appears to be a coordinated effort to test security at these bases. The U.K. military has deployed around 60 personnel to protect the bases from multiple drone incursions.
The drones do not appear to be those of hobbyists, a senior U.S. official told Fox News. Witnesses have reported seeing small quadcopters and octocopters, which are more sophisticated than those that can be bought off the shelf.
Despite the ongoing drone activity, Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder stated that none of these drone incursions have impacted the base residents, the facilities, or U.S. assets on the bases. The U.S. Air Forces in Europe said in a statement that their units continue to monitor the airspace and are working with host-nation authorities and mission partners to ensure the safety of base personnel, facilities, and assets.
The origin of the drones remains unknown, but the coordinated nature of the activity suggests an aggressive state actor. The U.K. Defense Ministry is working closely with U.S. and local police to determine the purpose of these drones and whether a foreign adversary is involved.