Suspected drones triggered security alerts at several RAF bases used by the US military after three objects were seen flying in formation near RAF Marham in Norfolk.
Footage appearing to show the objects was recorded as residents reported flashing lights, warning sirens and loudspeaker announcements in an American accent telling people to take shelter.
Alerts were also raised at RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk, as well as RAF Feltwell in Norfolk. The suspected drones later disappeared and no aircraft, personnel or infrastructure were damaged.
The United States Air Force confirmed that security forces had responded to suspected unauthorised drone activity near RAF Lakenheath on Friday evening.
“No personnel, aircraft or infrastructure were affected,” a spokesman said. “We continue to work closely with our host nation counterparts to ensure the safety and security of our U.S. service members, U.S. and host nation civilians, contractors, and all of our families.”
The Ministry of Defence said the alert level had been raised after reports of drone sightings. Ministry of Defence Police and Suffolk Police were deployed to assist, but the situation was “quickly resolved”.
“While we continue to monitor the situation closely, RAF Lakenheath has now returned to normal security and force protection measures,” an MoD spokesman said.
At RAF Marham, residents reported hearing what they described as “war sirens” at about 5.30pm, followed by an announcement instructing people to seek shelter. More than 3,600 service personnel, civil servants and contractors work at the Norfolk base, which is home to the F-35 Lightning stealth fighter.
RAF Lakenheath and RAF Feltwell are less than seven miles apart, while RAF Feltwell and RAF Marham are about 12 miles apart as the crow flies.
Heightened security at US airbases
The incident comes amid heightened security at US bases in Britain following a reported terror threat from Iran earlier this week. Nine US Air Force refuelling aircraft were moved from RAF Mildenhall to locations in the UK, Germany and Spain, while three V-22 Ospreys used by American special forces were transferred to RAF Lakenheath.
The withdrawal was described as “extraordinarily unusual” by a former RAF chief. RAF Mildenhall is home to the 100th Air Refuelling Wing, the only permanent US refuelling wing in Europe, while RAF Lakenheath hosts the US Air Force’s 48th Fighter Wing.
Both bases later raised their security status to Force Protection Condition Charlie, the second-highest threat level, used when intelligence suggests a terrorist attack is likely.
The increased security followed a similar withdrawal of US bombers from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire after an alleged Iranian terror plot was foiled. Police had found petrol in three white vans near the base, although no explosives were discovered, and two men were charged in connection with the incident.
Iran denied involvement in the alleged plot. Its Revolutionary Guard Corps has said that RAF Fairford and any other base used to launch attacks against Iran would be legitimate targets.
The US Air Force urged anyone who witnessed unusual or suspicious activity to report it to local authorities. The identity of those operating the suspected drones, and their purpose, remains unknown.
