‘Not Just Hobbyists’: Former UFO Expert Links Foreign Powers to RAF Base Drone Activity

In a concerning development for military security, unidentified drones were detected hovering over three bases in East Anglia, England, during November 2023. The suspicious activity occurred between November 20-22 at RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, and RAF Feltwell, coinciding with preparations for potential nuclear weapons deployment at RAF Lakenheath, reports The Guardian.

Expert Analysis Points to Multiple Possibilities

Nick Pope, a former Ministry of Defence UFO investigator, suggests these drone incursions could be linked to foreign intelligence gathering. “Adversaries (probably or ) might use drones to gather data on this, in parallel with using other intelligence-gathering strategies,” Pope explained. However, he believes direct involvement of foreign intelligence officers is unlikely, suggesting instead that third parties might be involved.

Historical Context of Nuclear Site Surveillance

The recent drone sightings aren’t isolated incidents. The region has a history of unusual aerial phenomena near military installations, most notably the 1980 Rendlesham Forest incident. What sets these current events apart is their timing, occurring as RAF Lakenheath prepares for what US documents describe as an “upcoming nuclear mission.”

Criminal Investigation Underway

While international espionage remains a possibility, authorities are treating these incidents as potential criminal activities. Lord Coaker’s parliamentary statement confirms that investigations are focused on prosecuting those responsible. The security breach has prompted renewed attention to counter-drone measures at military installations.

Ministry of Defence Response

The MoD maintains a strong stance on base security, with a spokesperson stating: “We take threats seriously and maintain robust measures at defence sites. This includes counter-drone security capabilities.” However, specific details about these security procedures remain classified.

DroneXL’s Take

From a data security perspective, these incidents highlight the growing challenges military installations face in the age of accessible . While some might view this as a setback for the , it actually underscores the importance of developing more sophisticated drone technology for both defensive and counter-drone capabilities. The presence of unauthorized drones near sensitive military sites demonstrates the urgent need for advanced detection and mitigation systems.

What do you think about these drone sightings? Are they cause for serious concern, or simply the work of irresponsible hobbyists? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.


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Haye Kesteloo
Haye Kesteloo

Haye Kesteloo is a leading drone industry expert and Editor in Chief of DroneXL.co and EVXL.co, where he covers drone technology, industry developments, and electric mobility trends. With over nine years of specialized coverage in unmanned aerial systems, his insights have been featured in The New York Times, The Financial Times, and cited by The Brookings Institute, Foreign Policy, Politico and others.

Before founding DroneXL.co, Kesteloo built his expertise at DroneDJ. He currently co-hosts the PiXL Drone Show on YouTube and podcast platforms, sharing industry insights with a global audience. His reporting has influenced policy discussions and been referenced in federal documents, establishing him as an authoritative voice in drone technology and regulation. He can be reached at haye @ dronexl.co or @hayekesteloo.

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