Unidentified drones seen over US military bases in UK as 'sinister' sightings continue

27 November 2024, 19:46 | Updated: 27 November 2024, 20:03

Unidentified drones seen over US military bases in UK as 'sinister' sightings continue
Unidentified drones seen over US military bases in UK as 'sinister' sightings continue. Picture: Alamy

By Danielle de Wolfe

More unidentified drone sightings have been recorded over US military bases in UK as the wave of 'sinister' sightings continues.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

The US air force says it is still investigating the ‘small unmanned aerial systems’ seen in recent days.

A spokesman for United States air forces in Europe explained that the small drones “continue to be spotted” above UK bases, with a fourth US airbase targeted in recent days.

Bases across the UK saw troops and counter-drone measures deployed following a string of sightings, with the increased presence aimed at deterring the unmanned craft.

British troops were deployed earlier this week in the hunt for whoever is responsible for flying the drones over US Air Force bases.

Ministers warned on Wednesday that those behind recent drone flights over the four bases in Suffolk, Norfolk and Gloucestershire would feel "the full force of the law”.

aerial view of Upper Heyford military airforce base in Oxfordshire
aerial view of Upper Heyford military airforce base in Oxfordshire. Picture: Alamy

On Tuesday, 60 British troops were tasked with helping the US find whoever is responsible for the unauthorised drone flights.

An MoD spokesperson said: “We take threats seriously and maintain robust measures at defence sites. We are supporting the US Air Force response.”

Read more: British troops deployed in hunt for whoever is behind drone flights over US air bases in the UK

Read more: Terror watchdog warns hostile nations could use 'ordinary Brits' to 'carry out acts of sabotage'

Following a string of sightings across Britain, the US warned it reserved the right to defend its airbases against the flights.

“To safeguard operational security, we do not discuss specific protection measures. However, we retain the right to protect our installations,” the spokesman added .

Britain's Prince William, the Prince of Wales and Colonel of the Welsh Guards, left, watches a drone during a visit to the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards to hear how they have been transitioning from ceremonial duty back to the Field Army, at Salisbury Plain
Britain's Prince William, the Prince of Wales and Colonel of the Welsh Guards, left, watches a drone during a visit to the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards to hear how they have been transitioning from ceremonial duty back to the Field Army, at Salisbury Plain. Picture: Alamy

Defence minister Maria Eagle said the government was “taking steps” after unmanned drones were seen over US bases.

“Protection of our personnel and bases is, of course, our highest priority,” said Ms Eagle during a recent debate.

Following recent sightings, US Air Forces in Europe spokesperson said: "I can confirm the situation is ongoing and our 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.

This is a developing story.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Russia launched a wave of missile strikes at Ukraine overnight.

Zelenskyy accuses Russia of hitting Ukraine 446 times since 'Easter truce' began and slams Putin for violating ceasefire

c

Captain Tom's daughter slashes asking price of £2m mansion yet again after previously pulling home from market

A view of the sign for Aston Wood Golf Club in Birmingham, where a van being chased by West Midlands Police crashed on Friday morning. A woman has been left with life-threatening injuries after the incident. Picture date: Friday April 11, 2025.

Six men arrested following woman's death after being hit by van on golf course during police chase

Police found the body of missing Cardiff woman Paria Veisi following the arrest of two individuals - one of whom was charged with murder.

Police find body of missing Cardiff woman Paria Veisi - as man charged with her murder

Murdered transgender teenager Brianna Ghey's school has banned mobile phones during the day in a move which has "reduced" pupils' stress levels, the headteacher said.

Murdered transgender teenager Brianna Ghey's school bans mobile phones to 'reduce' pupils' stress levels

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta after the UEFA Champions League quarter-final, second leg match at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid, Spain. Picture date: Wednesday April 16, 2025.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta vows to keep Liverpool waiting for title

Zelenskyy accuses Putin of violating 'Easter truce' following Russia's pledge to cease 'all military operations' in Ukraine

Zelenskyy accuses Putin of violating 'Easter truce' following Russia's pledge to cease 'all military operations'

FILE - Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at the Mount Herzl military cemetery in Jerusalem, Israel, on Oct. 27, 2024. (Gil Cohen-Magen/Pool Photo via AP, File)

'We will not surrender': Netanyahu insists Israel will continue Gaza war 'until Hamas are no longer able to control' strip

File photo dated 11/09/18 of models of a man and woman standing on a pile of coins and bank notes. More than a third (35%) of Gen-Z adults aged 18 to 21 worry about their finances every day, according to research for a major bank.

One third of 18 to 21-year-olds in the UK ‘worry about money every day’, study finds

Trans rights protestors deface Millicent Fawcett statue as thousands take to streets following Supreme Court ruling

Trans rights protestors deface Millicent Fawcett statue as thousands take to UK streets following Supreme Court ruling

Emergency services are at the scene of a multi-vehicle crash on the A1.

Personal trainer who caused A1 police crash 'drove to work two days later' despite having no license

Clodagh Rodgers, auch Cloda Rogers, Sängerin aus Nordirland, 1971 sang sie für Großbritannien beim Eurovision Song Contest in Dublin, hier bei einem Auftritt, 1971. Clodagh Rodgers, aka Cloda Rogers, Singer from Northern Ireland, in 1971.

Eurovision star Clodagh Rodgers dies aged 78

Nicola Coughlan poses for photographers upon arrival at the BFI Flare Opening Gala for the film 'The Wedding Banquet' in London, Wednesday, March. 19, 2025. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Nicola Coughlan raises more than £100,000 for trans charity following trans gender ruling

Russia's President Vladimir Putin

Putin declares 'Easter truce' in Ukraine as Russia pledges to cease 'all military operations' until Monday

Croatian footballer Nikola Pokrivac

Tributes pour in as former Croatia international Nikola Pokrivac dies in horror car accident

Exclusive
Former Defence Sec Ben Wallace has slammed the White House

Trump is looking for an 'exit ramp' on Ukraine, Ben Wallace tells LBC, as he warns victory is getting further away