Suspected drones reported near RAF bases as residents hear sirens

Suspected drones were reported near several RAF bases in eastern England, prompting alarms that startled nearby residents and renewed attention to security at facilities used by US forces. The US Air Force said personnel responded to suspected unauthorised drone activity at RAF Lakenheath, but no people, aircraft or infrastructure were affected.

Residents filmed what appeared to be three drones in formation near RAF Marham, home to F-35 fighters, and reported hearing sirens and shelter instructions around 5.30pm on Friday. The reports followed the withdrawal earlier in the week of nine US refuelling aircraft from RAF Mildenhall and three V-22 Ospreys, amid a reported Iran-related threat. Lakenheath and Mildenhall raised security to Force Protection Condition Charlie, the second-highest level; security at US bases in Britain had already been heightened after an alleged plot near RAF Fairford.