US Air Force responds to suspected drones at UK base amid Iran security concerns

Detailed summary

US Air Force personnel responded to suspected unauthorized drone activity at RAF Lakenheath in Britain on Friday evening, with officials reporting no damage to aircraft,…

US Air Force personnel responded to suspected unauthorized drone activity at RAF Lakenheath in Britain on Friday evening, with officials reporting no damage to aircraft, infrastructure or personnel, Reuters reported.

A US Air Force spokesperson said personnel at the base had responded to “suspected unauthorised drone activity” and were working closely with British authorities to maintain security.

“We continue to work closely with our host nation counterparts to ensure the safety and security of our US service members, US and host nation civilians, contractors, and all of our families,” the spokesperson said.

Britain's Ministry of Defence confirmed that US security forces had responded to reports of drone activity and said the situation had been resolved.

The incident comes amid heightened security concerns at US military facilities in Britain following reported threats linked to Iran.

In recent weeks, the United States moved bombers previously used in strikes against Iran out of Britain and relocated large refueling aircraft to Germany.

The bombers departed RAF Fairford after several men approached the base in white vans during the night of September 27. Two men were subsequently charged in connection with the incident, with prosecutors alleging that one had attempted to assist Iranian intelligence in Britain.

The Wall Street Journal separately reported that the refueling aircraft were relocated because of a threat from Iran.

Britain's domestic intelligence chief warned in October that Iran had intensified efforts to target more heavily protected sites, including military installations.

Opening of the article, excerpted from Iran International. To read the rest, open the article on the publisher's site.