Sixty British Troops Investigate Drone Activity Over US Airbases

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Sixty British troops have been deployed to investigate the presence of drones spotted over three US airbases in Suffolk and Norfolk, raising concerns about potential security threats. The sightings, described by some as potentially “sinister,” have prompted swift action by UK and US forces to identify those responsible.  

 

The drones were first observed last week near RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, and RAF Feltwell, which are operated by the US Air Force (USAF). Although the activity has not been identified as hostile, the fluctuating number of sightings has alarmed officials. A defence source told *The Times* that approximately 60 UK military personnel have been mobilized to assist the US.  

 

The Royal Air Force has offered its advanced counter-drone system, known as ORCUS, to help neutralize the threat. This system integrates two key components: the “Ninja,” which identifies drones up to 7 kilometers away and can assume control of their command systems, and the “Guardian,” a long-range jammer dubbed an “electronic sniper rifle” capable of disrupting drones from up to 10 kilometers. Together, these systems can either redirect hostile drones to specific locations or return them to their base, preserving the devices for further investigation and reconnaissance.  

 

The ORCUS system has been previously deployed at RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath, suggesting its effectiveness in protecting installations hosting US personnel. Despite the deployment of this technology, the identity of those operating the drones remains unknown.

 

A military source speculated that the activity could be linked to individuals acting on behalf of external entities, hinting at the possibility of a deliberate plot. While no direct accusations have been made, the source suggested it could range from a “bunch of f—wits” to a more “sinister” operation involving paid actors.  

 

This suspicion aligns with heightened concerns across Europe about Russian sabotage. Security agencies have reported acts of arson and infrastructure attacks in the Baltics, Germany, and the UK. In October, MI5 Director Ken McCallum warned that Russia’s intelligence agency, the GRU, had been orchestrating “sustained mayhem” across Europe, including arson and sabotage, following Britain’s support for Ukraine in the ongoing war.

 

In a statement, the USAF confirmed that drone sightings occurred during nighttime hours and varied between the bases but emphasized that they posed no immediate threat to infrastructure or residents. “Since November 20, there has been no impact to residents or infrastructure, and they have not been identified as hostile,” a spokesperson said, adding that the airspace continues to be monitored.  

 

The UK Ministry of Defence also reassured the public of its vigilance. “We take threats seriously and maintain robust measures at defence sites. We are supporting the US Air Force response,” an MoD spokesperson stated.  

 

As investigations continue, the collaboration between UK and US forces highlights the importance of maintaining security at critical installations, particularly amid growing concerns about potential acts of foreign interference.

 

Based on a report by The Times 2024-11-28

 

 

 

 

[thaibeachlovers]

The question I have is why, given WW2 ended last century is why there are 3 US bases in Britain? What do they do that the Brits can't do?