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US air force says drones spotted at UK military bases

By AAP Newswire

Nov 27, 2024

The US air forces says mysterious drones have been seen over RAF Mildenhall and two other bases. -AP

A number of unidentified drones have been spotted over three United States air force bases in England over the last six days, a US Air Force spokesperson says.

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"Small unmanned aerial systems were spotted in the vicinity of and over RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, and RAF Feltwell from Nov 20 to Nov 26," a spokesperson said in an emailed response to Reuters.

The three bases, two in Suffolk and one in Norfolk, are leased by the USAF from the United Kingdom.

USAF said the number of sightings "fluctuated and varied between the bases" but they have not been identified as hostile.

A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the drones did not appear to be the work of hobbyists since they were co-ordinated.

But the official said it was too early to say who was responsible.

It comes days after USAF confirmed that a small number of "unmanned aerial systems" were spotted in the vicinity of and over the three bases between Wednesday and Sunday.

A spokesperson for the UK's Ministry of Defence said they "take threats seriously and maintain robust measures" at defence sites.

"We are supporting the US Air Force response," the spokesperson added.

The Press Association cited sources saying about 60 UK troops have been deployed to help the USAF find out who was responsible for the drones.

with PA

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press