U.S. Air Force Responds to Suspected Drone Activity at RAF Lakenheath

The U.S. Air Force said it responded to suspected unauthorized drone activity over RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, eastern England, on Friday evening. Sirens were heard at the base, which is used by the American military. The Air Force said: “No personnel, aircraft or infrastructure were affected.” The Air Force said it was continuing to work closely with its British counterparts to protect service members and American and host-nation civilians. Its statement also included contractors and families among those whose safety the two sides were working to ensure. Nick Timothy, the MP for West Suffolk, said authorities at the base had told him the incident was resolved and there was no threat to the public. He encouraged people to report suspicious activity. Lakenheath units previously helped defend Israel against Iran’s April 13–14, 2024 attack. At a November 12, 2024 ceremony at the base, airmen from the 494th Fighter Squadron and 494th Fighter Generation Squadron were recognized for their role. An official Air Force account said U.S. F-15E aircraft and other defensive assets destroyed more than 80 attack drones heading toward Israel from Iran and Houthi-controlled Yemen during that attack.