U.S. Air Force security forces responded to suspected unauthorized drone activity at RAF Lakenheath, prompting an alarm and reports of a lockdown.
Videos emerged online in the evening of Nov. 13, 2026, reportedly noted an alarm sounding at RAF Lakenheath, in Suffolk, England. About at the same time, unconfirmed reports emerged about the installation, as well as RAF Mildenhall and RAF Feltwell going to Force Protection Condition (FPCON) Delta, the highest and most protective level.
RAF Lakenheath is one of the principal U.S. Air Force installations in Europe and hosts the 48th Fighter Wing, which operates the F-15E Strike Eagle and F-35A Lightning II. The base is located close to RAF Mildenhall, another major U.S. Air Force installation in Suffolk.
Video footage posted online appears to show air raid sirens sounding within the last hour at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, United Kingdom. https://t.co/KDxeoEU75G
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) November 13, 2026
The U.S. Air Force later confirmed that Security Forces responded to suspected unauthorized drone activity in the area of RAF Lakenheath. The incident prompted a security response at the base, with personnel reportedly instructed to shelter in place.
So, the situation as it stands
– Sirens sounding at RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall
– multiple sources state the bases have been at FPCON DELTA since earlier this evening
– no drone warnings issued by Mildenhall tower, but Lakenheath has been closed since Tuesday so we wouldn’t hear anything while closed.
Via @FaytuksNetwork @sentdefender @DefenceGeek
— Armchair Admiral 🇬🇧 (@ArmchairAdml) November 13, 2026
“This evening, USAF Security Forces personnel responded to suspected unauthorized drone activity over RAF Lakenheath,” said a spokesperson. “No personnel, aircraft or infrastructure were affected.”
BREAKING: The US military said its personnel at RAF Lakenheath in the UK responded to “suspected unauthorised drone activity” on Friday evening.
A US air force spokesperson said: “This evening, USAF Security Forces personnel responded to suspected unauthorized drone activity over RAF Lakenheath.
“No personnel, aircraft or infrastructure were affected.
“We continue to work closely with our host nation counterparts to ensure the safety and security of our U.S. service members, U.S. and host nation civilians, contractors, and all of our families.
“Protecting our shared community is a joint responsibility, and we encourage everyone to support this effort by reporting any unusual or suspicious activity to local authorities.”
— Deborah Haynes (@haynesdeborah) November 13, 2026
The spokesperson added that the U.S. military was working closely with British counterparts to ensure the safety and security of American service members, civilians from both countries, contractors and their families.
BREAKING: The UK’s Ministry of Defence says incident at RAF Lakenheath – where US forces are based – involving “reports of unauthorised drone activity” is “now resolved”
A @DefenceHQ spokesperson said: “We are coordinating with all relevant parties regarding reports of unauthorised drone activity at RAF Lakenheath this evening. USAF Security Forces personnel responded to the reports and the situation is now resolved. We are working closely with them to establish the facts. We will provide updates in due course.”
— Deborah Haynes (@haynesdeborah) November 13, 2026
Details about the incident are scarce. The alarm reportedly sounded at approximately 6:30 p.m. local time, with personnel told to shelter in place as security forces responded to the incident.
The precise location of the suspected drone activity, the number and type of unmanned aircraft involved, and how long the security response lasted have not been disclosed.
The incident comes amid heightened security measures at U.S. military installations in the United Kingdom. Earlier this week, reports emerged that RAF Lakenheath and nearby RAF Mildenhall had increased their force protection measures to FPCON Charlie, although the reasons were initially unclear.
Additionally, RAF Mildenhall based KC-135 Stratotankers were dispersed across Europe to Prestwick, Spangdahlem, Ramstein, and Morón on Nov. 9, 2026, while CV-22B Ospreys were sent to the nearby RAF Lakenheath. Previously, in September, a major incident was declared on the perimeter of RAF Fairford, and the bombers based there returned to the U.S.
Although no connection between the separate incidents has been officially established, they drew significant attention to the idea that U.S. bases within the UK and in Europe might be at risk from adversaries. Drone threats are currently among the priorities in the ongoing modernization of the defenses of U.S. installations.
