Drones Spotted Over U.S. Bases in England Spark Criminal Investigation

Following the discovery of drones over numerous U.S. Air Force bases in England last week, British Defense Minister Vernon Coaker announced on Wednesday that a criminal investigation is currently ongoing. The incursions, which commenced on November 20, encompassed four bases: RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, RAF Feltwell, and RAF Fairford. These facilities are the site of essential U.S. combat, refueling, and support operations in Europe.

In Parliament, Coaker disclosed that the United States and British governments are collaborating to oversee the situation and are implementing "unspecified mitigation measures" to mitigate the threat. The Investigation is being conducted by the Ministry of Defense Police and local law enforcement, and it can potentially lead to severe penalties under national security laws. Individuals convicted of operating drones in restricted areas may be sentenced to 14 years.

Although it is uncertain whether the drone activity was hostile, the incursions are occurring in conjunction with the intensification of tensions in Eastern Europe. Moscow issued retaliatory threats in response to Ukraine's recent attacks inside Russia, which were conducted with weapons supplied by the United States and the United Kingdom.

In addition to the abovementioned concerns, a drone was observed close to the Royal Navy's flagship, HMS Queen Elizabeth, as it entered Hamburg, Germany, on November 24.

The Ministry of Defense has implemented robust counter-drone capabilities, as emphasized by authorities. However, the recent incidents have refocused attention on the vulnerabilities that unauthorized drone activity presents.