The RAF Lakenheath Drone Incursions

In November 2024, a wave of sophisticated drone incursions targeted multiple Royal Air Force bases in England, home to American F-35 stealth fighters, F-15E Strike Eagles, and strategic assets. The objects, described as more advanced than commercial drones, appeared coordinated and operated during nighttime hours. In one incident, a police helicopter was pursued by two fast-moving craft. The incursions triggered criminal investigations, military counter-drone deployments, and international concern.

The Affected Bases

RAF Lakenheath

The primary target:

• Located in Suffolk, England
• Home to US 48th Fighter Wing
• Houses F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters
• Houses F-15E Strike Eagle fighters
• One of most significant US bases in Europe

Other Bases Affected

The incursions spread to:

• RAF Mildenhall (Suffolk) - US 100th Air Refueling Wing, KC-135, RC-135
• RAF Feltwell (Norfolk)
• RAF Fairford (Gloucestershire) - US heavy bomber base, U-2 detachment
• RAF Marham - UK F-35B Lightning II force (3 possible UAS sightings)

The Incursions

Timeline

Beginning November 20, 2024:

• Small unmanned aerial systems detected
• Incursions continued for several days
• Numbers fluctuated nightly
• Varied between different bases
• Pattern suggested coordination

The Objects

Described as:

• Quadcopter or octocopter configuration
• More sophisticated than commercially available
• Sizes and configurations varied
• Operated during nighttime hours
• Appeared coordinated, not hobbyist activity

The Pattern

Observers noted:

• Professional operation style
• Consistent timing
• Multiple bases targeted
• Evasive capabilities
• Not typical recreational drones

The Police Helicopter Incident

November 22, 2024

The most dramatic encounter:

• National Police Air Service EC135 helicopter
• Operating over RAF Lakenheath
• Two fast-moving craft approached
• “Targeted” and pursued the aircraft
• Pilots performed steep dive to avoid collision

The Pursuit

Details of the encounter:

• Objects matched helicopter speed (~165 knots/190 mph)
• Pursuit lasted several minutes
• Objects disappeared from view eventually
• Crew reported the incident officially
• Caused significant concern

Official Response

The Airprox Board:

• Investigated the incident
• Concluded crew mistook F-15 lights
• Pilot audio reportedly mentions “drones”
• Investigation remains controversial
• Multiple interpretations exist

HMS Queen Elizabeth Incident

November 22, 2024

Same day as helicopter incident:

• Civilian drone observed near aircraft carrier
• HMS Queen Elizabeth at sea
• Drone approached within 250 meters
• Raised concerns about coordinated activities
• Maritime and aerial components possible

Military Response

Immediate Actions

The bases responded:

• Counter-drone systems activated
• RAF deployed ORCUS counter-drone system
• 60 additional British troops sent to assist US investigation
• NOTAM issued for military aircraft to operate without lights (20nm radius)
• Enhanced security protocols implemented

Continued Operations

Despite the incursions:

• F-15E Strike Eagles continued operations
• Maintained readiness through Thanksgiving
• Operations not halted
• Security heightened
• Vigilance increased

Criminal Investigation

UK authorities:

• Launched criminal investigation
• Coordinated with US military
• Intelligence services involved
• No arrests announced
• Investigation ongoing

The Broader Context

Part of a Pattern

The UK incursions fit a pattern:

• Langley AFB drone swarm (December 2023)
• Nevada National Security Site (October 2023)
• New Jersey drone wave (November-December 2024)
• German military base sightings (December 2024)

International Implications

The incursions raised:

• NATO security concerns
• Alliance coordination questions
• Technology transfer worries
• Intelligence gathering fears
• Defense capability concerns

European Security

Impact on European posture:

• Highlighted vulnerability of key bases
• Demonstrated limits of air defense
• Raised questions about drone threats
• Prompted policy discussions
• Influenced defense planning

Official Positions

UK Ministry of Defence

Statement indicated:

• Investigating the incidents
• Coordinating with US partners
• Criminal investigation ongoing
• No attribution announced
• Enhanced security measures in place

US Air Force

Response included:

• Continued operations
• Security enhancements
• Investigation cooperation
• No specific attribution
• Vigilance maintained

The Question

In November 2024, some of Britain’s most sensitive military installations came under surveillance.

Sophisticated drones. Coordinated operations. Multiple bases targeted.

F-35 stealth fighters. F-15 Strike Eagles. Strategic assets.

All watched by unknown eyes in the sky.

A police helicopter was chased at 165 knots. It dove to escape. The pursuers kept coming.

Who sent them?

Not hobbyists. The technology was too advanced.

Not acknowledged military testing. Officially denied.

Foreign adversaries? No attribution made.

Something else? Unknown.

RAF Lakenheath. RAF Mildenhall. RAF Fairford. RAF Feltwell. RAF Marham.

America’s frontline forces in Europe.

Watched. Tracked. Surveilled.

By something we can’t identify.

By someone we can’t name.

The investigation continues.

The drones may return.

And we still don’t know who sent them.

Or what they learned.

Or what they’re planning next.

The skies over England have new watchers.

And they’re not ours.