US air force responds to suspected drone activity over UK airbase
The incident follows recent security concerns, with US military aircraft moved from British bases due to reported threats from Iran.
An F15 is towed from the main runway at RAF Lakenheath, home of the British-based USAF 48th Fighter Wing, Apr, 22, 2010. (Photo: AP/Alastair Grant)
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LONDON: US air force personnel at the RAF Lakenheath base in Britain responded to “suspected unauthorised drone activity” on Friday (Nov 13) evening, although no personnel, aircraft or infrastructure were affected, a US air force spokesperson said.
“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,” the spokesperson added.
The British Ministry of Defence was not immediately available for comment.
The US has in recent weeks moved bombers that had been used to strike Iran out of Britain, and switched huge refuelling aircraft from Britain to Germany.
The bombers left RAF Fairford on security grounds after a group of men approached the base in white vans in the middle of the night.
Two men were charged last month in relation to that incident, with prosecutors alleging one of them had tried to assist Iranian intelligence in Britain.
The Wall Street Journal has reported that the refuelling aircraft were moved due to a threat from Iran.
Source: Reuters/fs
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