Multiple videos of fighter jets conducting nighttime operations at a NATO base in England sparked widespread social media discussions about potential drone activity.
According to Newsweek, the U.S. Air Force has addressed speculation surrounding viral footage showing approximately a dozen F-35 fighters taking off from RAF Lakenheath, confirming these were routine training exercises.
The footage, which garnered hundreds of thousands of views on X (formerly Twitter), showed sequential takeoffs of military aircraft with afterburners engaged. Social media users quickly linked these activities to recent mysterious drone sightings at various military installations, though experienced observers noted the activities appeared consistent with standard military operations.
Drone Sightings Surge Nationwide
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Department of Homeland Security have documented over 5,000 drone sightings along the East Coast in recent weeks.
Multiple military facilities have reported drone activity, including Pictanny Arsenal and Naval Weapons Station Earle in New Jersey, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, and Langley Air Force Base in Virginia.
Similar incidents have been reported at British military installations, with RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, and RAF Feltwell all experiencing unexplained drone presence. The increasing frequency of these sightings has prompted responses from high-ranking officials and sparked public concern.
President Joe Biden addressed the situation, stating:
Nothing nefarious apparently. But they're checking it all out…There's a lot of drones authorized to be up there. I think one started it, and they all got it, and everybody's wanting to get in the deal.
Military Response And Security Measures
The U.S. Air Force explicitly stated that no unmanned aircraft system activity occurred at RAF Lakenheath during the period in question. The viral footage instead captured standard night training operations, a routine aspect of military readiness exercises.
President-elect Donald Trump took a more aggressive stance on the matter, expressing his views through Truth Social:
Mystery Drone sightings all over the Country. Can this really be happening without our government's knowledge. I don't think so! Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down!!! DJT.
Local authorities have implemented drone restrictions in response to the increased activity. More than twelve towns in New Jersey have enacted drone bans as part of broader security measures.
Investigation Continues As Questions Remain
Federal and military authorities maintain ongoing investigations into the wave of drone sightings across military installations. The phenomenon has generated significant attention from both government officials and the public, leading to increased scrutiny of aerial activities near sensitive locations.
The recent events at RAF Lakenheath exemplify the heightened awareness surrounding military air operations.
While the U.S. Air Force confirmed these particular activities as routine training exercises, authorities continue to investigate the broader pattern of drone sightings at military installations both in the United States and United Kingdom.
