'Drones' over UK skies - US Air Force launches urgent response | UK | News

The US Air Force has confirmed that it has responded to suspected drones over UK skies.

A spokesperson for The US Air Force said: "This evening, USAF Security Forces personnel responded to suspected unauthorised drone activity over RAF Lakenheath. No personnel, aircraft or infrastructure were affected.

"We continue to work closely with our host nation counterparts to ensure the safety and security of our US service members, US and host nation civilians, contractors, and all of our families. Protecting our shared community is a joint responsibility, and we encourage everyone to support this effort by reporting any unusual or suspicious activity to local authorities."

Initial reports indicated that US personnel were ordered to take cover at RAF Lakenheath, a key American military installation in the UK, after what officials described as "suspected unauthorised drone activity" was detected near the base.

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An alert was issued to personnel at RAF Lakenheath to "shelter in place", reports Sky News.

Nick Timothy, Conservative MP for West Suffolk, said the incident was resolved with no threat to the public, but did not say what had happened.

He wrote on : "Following the speculation the alarm at RAF Lakenheath, I have been in touch with the authorities at the base. I am told there is no threat to the public, and the incident is now resolved."

More than 12 US Air Force planes were moved away from RAF Mildenhall this week following reports of possible Iranian threats against the military installation.

The development comes weeks after American bombers were withdrawn from RAF Fairford in the wake of a security incident suspected to have links to Iran.

The US has used British military bases to deploy aircraft taking part in operations against Iran.

However, former Prime Minister Keir Starmer maintained that permission to use UK facilities would only cover missions of a “defensive” nature. Iran has warned that military installations providing support for such operations could be regarded as legitimate targets.

Downing Street insisted earlier this week that British air bases are safe and their security is a “top priority” after US aircraft were moved from nearby RAF Mildenhall, also in Suffolk.

RAF Lakenheath said in September that it was on “Charlie alert”, the second-highest threat level that can be issued by the US department of defence.

It is to the 48th fighter wing, also known as the Liberty Wing, with almost 7,000 active-duty personnel making it the largest US fighter operation in Europe, according to the official base website.