Multiple drone incursions at three US airbases in Norfolk and Suffolk have attracted increased military presence in the area and a search for those responsible. Residents of Beck Row, Suffolk, close to RAF Mildenhall, reported seeing “triangle-shaped aerial vehicles” with bright lights and a “high level of military activity”. The drones flew above their houses and over the base. Concerns were raised about safety and breach of military security.
Between 20 and 22 November, drone incursions were first reported at RAF Mildenhall, RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, and RAF Feltwell in Norfolk. No drone pilots were found and the aircraft has been sighted several more times since. Within the past few days, a drone came within 250 metres of the Royal Navy’s flagship aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth, as it entered the Port of Hamburg in Germany, and a sighting was reported at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.
The drones did not impact any residents, facilities, or assets, according to the US Air Force in Europe. While the UK Ministry of Defence said it is aware of the incursions and that “robust measures” are in place in military sites to protect against threats, the source is still unknown. Defence Minister Lord Coaker stated that a live criminal investigation is under way, without running any suspicions or accusations on who might be responsible.
The government’s prohibition of drones flying within the vicinity of military sites may come as a surprise to the general public. The public may not be aware that flying drones near airfields or other sensitive sites is prohibited by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and carries a five-year prison sentence if people are harmed as a result. However, it is not clear what the penalties are if no one is harmed. Chris Grayling, then transport secretary, had announced that all drones need to be registered and their operators needed a safety awareness test and had backed plans to give police greater anti-drone powers.
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
