68 years later, Lakenheath Royal Air Force Base is again visited by unidentified objects.
An article by The Warzone journalist Howard Altman on recent incursions recalls the dramatic encounters that took place on the same site over half a century ago.
According to the TWZ article, a number of drones of various configurations and sizes have been observed over the base in the east of England. RAF Lakenheath is the largest U.S. Air Force base in England and the only U.S. Air Force base in Europe with an F-35/F-15 fighter wing, the 48th Fighter Wing. The base was the first to receive the new Lockheed Martin F-35 Lighting 2 in 2021, a stealth fighter designed to replace the majority of the US fighter force.Â
A spokesman for the US military's geographic sector said:Â
The UASs were actively monitored and installation leaders determined that none of the incursions impacted base residents or critical infrastructure.
To protect operational security, we do not discuss our specific force protection measures but retain the right to protect the installation,
We continue to monitor our airspace and are working with host-nation authorities and mission partners to ensure the safety of base personnel, facilities, and assets.
Since 2019, the US Armed Forces have faced drone incursions into their restricted airspace, including nuclear assets, calling into question their ability to defend against UAS swarm technologies.
This event is also reminiscent of the Lakenheath-Bentwaters case. It was confirmed by an Air Force investigation that 'the probability that at least one genuine UFO was involved appears to be quite high' :Â
13 August 1956, 9.30 p.m., radar return, speed between 4,000 and 10,000 mph (ca. 16,093 km/h), at 25-30 miles.
13 August 1956, 9.35 p.m., 12 to 15 radar returns, speed between 80-125 mph, at 8 miles (ca. 13 km). At 40 miles (ca. 64 km), the radar returns merge into a single one which remains stationary for 15 minutes, then moves out of radar coverage.Â
13 August 1956, 10:00 p.m., one radar return, speed between 4000 and 16 000 mph (ca. 25,800 km/h), at 25 miles (ca. 40 km).Â
13 August 1956, 10:55 p.m., the neighboring base of Bentwaters observes a radar return, speed between 2000 and 4000 mph (ca. 6,437 km/h), at 30 miles (ca. 48 km).Â
14 August 1956, at 00:10 a.m.
2 lights merge into one, at high speed, and change direction without slowing down.Â
A stationary radar echo is noted and confirmed by Bentwaters base, then moves rapidly at an estimated speed of 400 to 600 mph (ca. 966 km/h), changing direction several times, at 8 to 20 miles (ca. 32 km) from the base.Â
A Venom interceptor is directed at a target south-west of Lakenheath. The pilot observes a white light which disappears both visually and on his onboard radar. The interceptor is then aimed at a stationary target, half a mile away, and the pilot sees something 'solid' on the radar. The target suddenly moves out of radar lock and makes a circle around the interceptor, aligning itself with its tail and pursuing the interceptor. The interceptor, unable to evade the object and low on fuel, returns to its base, the object following it only a short time later.Â
A second interceptor is sent, but has to turn back due to engine failure.Â
A few minutes later, the object leaves the radar coverage area. Â
A full account of this incident and the 1980 Bentwaters-Rendlesham case can be found in the 3AF Sigma 2 2021 report.Â
This raises whether the incursions made on November 20, 2024, were an intimidation attempt by rival groups or nations, or the return of something more worrying about Western defense.Â
ADDENDUM, 26/11/2024
U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa Statement on Installation Security in the UK
Published Nov. 25, 2024
USAFE-AFAFRICA Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- Â
Small unmanned aerial systems were spotted in the vicinity of and over Royal Air Force Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall and RAF Feltwell between Nov. 20 and Nov. 24.
The number of systems fluctuated, and they ranged in sizes and configurations. The sUASs were actively monitored and installation leaders determined that none of the incursions impacted base residents, facilities or assets.
To safeguard operational security, we do not discuss specific force protection measures, however we retain the right to protect our installations.
Our units continue to monitor the airspace and are working with host-nation authorities and mission partners to ensure the safety of base personnel, facilities and assets.
This statement was updated later :
Small unmanned aerial systems continue to be spotted in the vicinity of and over Royal Air Force Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, RAF Feltwell and RAF Fairford since Nov. 20.
To date, installation leaders have determined that none of the incursions impacted base residents, facilities or assets. The Air Force is taking all appropriate measures to safeguard the aforementioned installations and their residents.
The number of systems has fluctuated, and they have ranged in sizes and configurations. Our units continue to monitor the airspace and are working with host-nation authorities and mission partners to ensure the safety of base personnel, facilities and assets.
To safeguard operational security, we do not discuss specific force protection measures, however we retain the right to protect our installations.
We request individuals in the area to contact either local police or Security Forces if they see anything suspicious, to include sUAS's or drone activity.
ADDENDUM, 27/11/2024
Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder Holds a Press Briefing
Transcript :
Q: Gen. Ryder, there have been a number of incidents in England with drones targeting U.S. bases, kind of swarming U.S. bases, challenging security. Do you believe they have hostile intent? Do you believe they were sent by a foreign adversary? What is happening? What can you tell us about these drones?
MAJ. GEN. RYDER: What I would tell you, Jennifer, is that they are being actively monitored. Installation leaders have determined so far that none of these incursions impact the base residents, the facilities or the assets that we have on those bases. We're of course continuing to work with host nation authorities and our mission partners to ensure the safety of our personnel, our facilities and the equipment.
You know, the bottom line is it's something that we're going to take seriously. We're continuing to look into it, but as of right now has not had any significant mission impact.
Q: Why not shoot them down?
MAJ. GEN. RYDER: Well, I won't get into force protection measures. We of course always maintain the right to defend ourselves if we deem something to be a threat. But again, we'll continue to work with the local host nation authorities there.
Q: And also, do you think it's linked to the drones that were sighted three or four different locations back in December of last year that we reported on recently on the state side?
MAJ. GEN. RYDER: I don't – I don’t want to speculate and draw unnecessary connections. You know, again, this is something that – that we'll look into. As you know, small UASs — drones – have become something that's, you know, relatively common now across the landscape. It's something that the department has been looking closely at in terms of how it applies to our facilities, our personnel, whether it's in combat zones or outside of combat zones.
But in terms of these particular incidents in the UK versus the ones in the States, you know, again, I don't want to speculate that there's any connection.
Q: They don't appear to be those of hobbyists, is that correct?
MAJ. GEN. RYDER: Again, it would be, you know, premature to draw any conclusions. We've got to see what these are. I mean, it's entirely possible that it could be hobbyist or something else. We just got to look into it, so. Let's come over here.
According to The Times Larisa Brown:
Around 60 UK military personnel have been deployed to provide the US with assistance, according to a defence source
A military source also confirmed that the RAF had offered the US a counter-drone system that can electronically take command of an enemy drone and turn it back on itself to try to identify those flying the drones.