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The UK has confirmed that they will deploy 60 military personnel, including counter-drone specialists, to bolster the defense of US Air Force bases in England following a series of coordinated and unexplained drone sightings that have sparked security concerns.

Let’s bring you up to speed: Over the last few days, a series of coordinated drone incidents have been reported over three major Air Force bases used by the US in England—RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, and RAF Feltwell—raising significant security concerns. Multiple drones, described as operating in a synchronized manner and not resembling hobbyist devices, have been sighted during nighttime hours, prompting heightened surveillance and investigation by both UK and US military authorities.

Officials have called the activity “weird” and “unusual,” with some defense sources speculating potential involvement of a state actor, such as Russia, amid growing geopolitical tensions. While the drones have not been deemed hostile and have not disrupted base operations, their presence over critical installations housing advanced military assets has resulted in significant concern.

What the UK is saying: According to the UK Ministry of Defense, approximately 60 military personnel, including counter-drone specialists from the RAF Regiment, have been deployed to assist in securing US Air Force bases in England against the recent drone incursions. The deployment includes the use of the ORCUS Counter-Uncrewed Air System, a cutting-edge technology designed to detect, track, identify, and, if necessary, neutralize hostile drones.