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Drone Incursions Reported Over Four RAF Bases in England in November 2024
The International Institute for Strategic Studies published findings on July 2 linking the November 2024 sightings to a Kremlin UAV campaign. The assessment covers incidents at four Royal Air Force installations and draws on witness reports and vessel tracking.
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Drones of unknown origin were observed over RAF Lakenheath, RAF Fairford, RAF Feltwell and RAF Mildenhall in November 2024. A public appeal for information produced roughly 170 reports, about half of which investigators deemed credible after corroboration by multiple witnesses or supporting imagery.
A report published July 2 by the International Institute for Strategic Studies assessed that a coordinated UAV campaign over Europe from August 2024 to February 2025 was highly likely conducted by Russia. The report states the campaign spanned a dozen NATO states and Ireland and assesses that Russian-linked vessels and the shadow fleet were likely used as launch and recovery platforms.
The vessel Hav Dolphin, later connected to a 2025 drone incident in Germany, was docked in the UK during the November 2024 incidents. The report identifies the Orlan-10 as one possible platform. The UAV, in Russian service since 2010, has a listed operational range of 500 kilometers, endurance of up to 12 hours and speeds of 90–130 km/h.
Its internal combustion engine and available payloads, including satellite navigation spoofing and optical sensors, align with some witness descriptions of propulsion noise and flight behavior.
The UK Ministry of Defence investigation into the RAF Lakenheath incidents concluded without identifying suspects. On or around July 3 the ministry stated it takes base security seriously and is investing in counter-drone capabilities through the Armed Forces Bill.
US Air Forces in Europe confirmed small unmanned aerial systems activity over several UK installations in 2024 and said there was no impact on personnel or operations. The command said it continues to work with UK partners on base security and that a response on attribution would not be ready before July 4.
