The United States Air Force said it responded to “suspected unauthorised drone activity” over RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk on Friday evening. No personnel, aircraft or infrastructure were affected, a spokesperson for the US Air Force added.
Unconfirmed reports had circulated that sirens were sounded at the base, which residents in a nearby village claimed to have heard. A Ministry of Defence spokesperson told the BBC it was “coordinating with all relevant parties”, noting that US Air Force security personnel had addressed the situation and that it was resolved.
West Suffolk MP Nick Timothy, who had spoken with base authorities, said there was “no threat to the public” and the incident was now closed. He urged residents to report anything suspicious given the raised threat level.
Earlier this week, at least 12 US Air Force aircraft departed the nearby RAF Mildenhall base, including two Boeing Stratotanker KC‑135 refuelling aircraft. One was reportedly headed toward Germany while the other landed at Prestwick Airport near Glasgow. The heightened security at US bases in the UK follows a September incident at RAF Fairford that Prime Minister Andy Burnham said involved Iran.
Police found petrol, but no explosives, during searches of vans near the base. Two men have been charged by the Crown Prosecution Service over their alleged involvement in the incident. While Iran denied any responsibility, the US removed all of its bombers from the base in October.
RAF Lakenheath hosts the US Air Force’s 48th Fighter Wing, the Liberty Wing, which employs nearly 7,000 active‑duty personnel and is the largest US fighter operation in Europe.
Downing Street has insisted that British airbases remain safe and that security is a top priority. The US Air Force’s swift response and the resolution of the incident underscore the ongoing cooperation between the UK and US to safeguard military installations.
