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By Michael D. Carroll
Breaking News Editor
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The U.S. Air Force (USAF) in the UK says a number of drones were spotted flying over bases in eastern England on Tuesday, including one base due to host US nuclear warheads.
The UK's PA news agency has reported that around 60 British troops have been deployed to help USAF in its investigation of the incident.
Tuesday's incident follows recent drone sightings in Suffolk and Norfolk, near RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, and RAF Feltwell, where unmanned aerial systems (UAS) were actively monitored after being observed in and around the bases, USAF Europe confirmed on Sunday.
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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 USAF spokesperson said in an emailed response to Reuters on Tuesday.
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Drones of Various Sizes Spotted Above UK Base
"The number of UASs fluctuated and they ranged in size/configuration," USAF said in an earlier statement, referring to the detection of UASs of varying sizes and configurations between Nov. 20 and 22. "The UASs were actively monitored and installation leaders determined that none of the incursions impacted base residents or critical infrastructure."
Its statement continued: "To protect operational security, we do not discuss our specific force protection measures, but retain the right to protect the installation. We continue to monitor our airspace and are working with host-nation authorities and mission partners to ensure the safety of base personnel, facilities and assets."
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Drone Alert in UK Base Due to Host US Nuclear Warheads
RAF Lakenheath, located in Suffolk, England, is set to host U.S. nuclear warheads for the first time in 15 years, according to plans released earlier this year. The base serves as the home of the U.S. Air Force's 48th Fighter Wing, which operates F-15 and F-35A fighter jets, playing a crucial role in U.S. and NATO military operations in Europe.
USAF has not yet identified the source of the recent incursions. Mitigation measures have been implemented, though specific details remain undisclosed. The situation underscores heightened security concerns around these key military installations.
What Is the UK Response to the RAF Base Drone Alerts?
In reference to the previous UASs, a spokesperson for Britain's Ministry of Defense said "we take threats seriously and maintain robust measures at defense sites. This includes counter-drone security capabilities."
Lakenheath, in the county of Suffolk, is home to the U.S. Air Force's 48th Fighter Wing, which is the only F-15 wing based in Europe. RAF Mildenhall is also based in Suffolk, with RAF Feltwell located just a few miles away in Norfolk.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
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