Concerns Raised Over Russian Links to Drone Sightings at UK Air Bases
The Russian ambassador to the UK is being urged to be summoned to the Foreign Office for an explanation regarding suspected connections between Russia and recent drone sightings over UK air bases. Alicia Kearns, the Conservative shadow security minister, made this statement following an investigation by The i Paper that unveiled troubling details.
On Friday, the investigation revealed that three individuals linked to Russian military and intelligence sites had traveled to stay near top-secret UK air bases, where suspicious drone activity was reported. Alarmingly, one of these individuals was located just meters from the perimeter of RAF Mildenhall on a day when drones were observed flying over the area. It is believed that at least two of these individuals had worked as seasonal fruit pickers in close proximity to the airbases, reportedly visiting fields near the installations during the night.
This revelation has raised significant concerns about potential Russian involvement in incidents that occurred at RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk last November. Kearns has called for the government to take immediate action by initiating an investigation and summoning the Russian ambassador without delay. She stated, “Evidence indicating that Russia has been conducting drone reconnaissance at sensitive air bases reflects the escalating risks posed by an increasingly desperate and hostile Kremlin. Any attempt by Russian intelligence to spy on or interfere with UK or allied defense and civil infrastructure must be met with a firm response. The Russian ambassador should have been summoned; if they haven’t, the question is, why not?”
Furthermore, Kearns emphasized the need for the government to act swiftly, stating, “We must ensure that those individuals responsible are quickly identified and either arrested or declared persona non grata. It is crucial that this information is shared with our allies so they can take similar actions.”
House of Commons Defence Committee Inquiry
The House of Commons Defence Committee is set to evaluate evidence related to suspected Russian links to drone sightings over UK air bases as part of a broader inquiry into “grey zone” activities by hostile states. Tan Dhesi MP, the chair of the committee, indicated that the inquiry will involve questioning the Ministry of Defence (MoD) about its role in safeguarding UK infrastructure from hostile threats, including drone activities.
Dhesi expressed concern, noting, “Attempts by hostile states to undermine the UK’s defense and security are extremely troubling. ‘Grey zone’ activities pose a serious threat, as attacks on European infrastructure, including undersea cables, have become increasingly frequent. The drone activity around UK military bases warrants a thorough investigation.”
The Defence Committee’s inquiry into ‘grey zone’ defense aims to explore how the UK can prepare for a wide range of security challenges posed by hostile nations, particularly Russia. As the inquiry progresses, the committee plans to question the MoD regarding its strategies for protecting UK infrastructure against hostile threats, including drones.
The evidence suggesting Russian connections to the drone sightings is derived from a database of open-source location data, provided to The i Paper by a former intelligence official who monitors movements linked to hostile state cyber threats. While this data does not constitute definitive proof of Russian involvement, former intelligence officials assert that it indicates the likelihood of Russian influence operations.
This database has been shared with UK and US officials investigating potential Kremlin involvement in sightings at the air bases, which are home to advanced US Air Force aircraft and defense technologies. A senior former British military intelligence official who reviewed the database remarked that it points to considerable Russian “grey area activity” – a term used to describe espionage operations conducted in a state of neither peace nor direct conflict.
- Julian Lewis, former chair of the Defence Select Committee, has called on the MoD to make an urgent statement to the House of Commons, citing “credible evidence” of Russian involvement in the drone incursions.
- Nick Timothy, MP for West Suffolk, where two of the air bases are situated, has expressed his expectation for a full investigation by the MoD and plans to write to Defence Secretary John Healey to ensure that local residents are kept informed.
In response to these revelations, Timothy stated, “These reports are concerning and warrant a complete investigation. I will reach out to the Defence Secretary, urging him to prioritize transparency with local residents, despite the need for discretion regarding national security.”
Drones have increasingly become a valuable tool in international espionage, as they can be flown into sensitive zones where air traffic is restricted, allowing them to test the responses of authorities. Additionally, they can be equipped with specialized surveillance equipment for reconnaissance missions.
RAF Lakenheath is regarded as a highly sensitive site for both the UK and the US, potentially serving as a storage location for US nuclear weapons. In light of the situation, a Ministry of Defence spokesperson commented, “We will not provide a running commentary on operational security matters; however, the public can be assured that we take threats seriously and maintain robust measures at defense sites.”
A spokesperson for the US Air Forces Europe confirmed that small unmanned aerial systems (UAS) were observed in the vicinity of RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, and RAF Feltwell between November 20 and 22. They noted, “The number of UASs fluctuated and they varied in size/configuration. The UASs were actively monitored, and installation leaders determined that none of the incursions impacted base residents or critical infrastructure.” The spokesperson added, “To protect operational security, we do not discuss our specific force protection measures but retain the right to safeguard our installations. We continue to monitor our airspace and are collaborating with host-nation authorities and mission partners to ensure the safety of base personnel, facilities, and assets.”
