Russian drones, identified as likely Orlan-10 models, were launched from a "shadow fleet" tanker operating near the UK coast to conduct surveillance over sensitive British and U.S. military bases. The operation, which took place over four days in 2024, targeted Royal Air Force bases including Lakenheath and Mildenhall in Suffolk, Fairford in Gloucestershire, and Feltwell in Norfolk.
The report by the International Institute for Security Studies (IISS) concluded that the drones were launched from a Kremlin spy ship, the HAV Dolphin, sighted off the coast of Humberside during the incursions. This tactic, utilizing vessels in international waters, is part of a wider Russian campaign to probe and expose gaps in allied air defenses across Europe.
Drone Incursions and Defensive Measures
During the incursions, specialist British troops from the RAF's 34 Squadron, equipped with advanced electronic warfare capabilities including thermal-imaging cameras, radio frequency and acoustic sensors, GPS jammers, and anti-drone guns, were deployed to intercept the unmanned aerial vehicles. The drones' presence over the bases, which host both British and U.S. personnel, prompted efforts to break their communication links and create "electronic walls" to prevent their penetration.
The IISS report indicates that such operations likely aimed to test response times, map vulnerabilities of critical national infrastructure, impose economic and psychological costs, and disrupt civilian aviation. The specific drone type, Orlan-10, is known to have a range of over 300 miles and can fly for up to 12 hours, making it suitable for launches from vessels in the North Sea to reach sensitive sites in Suffolk and Norfolk. Local accounts also noted engine noises consistent with the Orlan-10's internal combustion engine.
These drone sorties may have been a response to Ukraine's use of U.S. and U.K. ballistic missiles against mainland Russia. The report notes that similar Russian drone activity was observed in Latvia and Romania around the same period.
Sensitive Installations Targeted
RAF Lakenheath, home to the U.S. Air Force's 48th Fighter Wing with F-15 and F-35A jets, is a particularly sensitive site. Historically used to store nuclear weapons during the Cold War, recent reports suggest facilities are being prepared for the potential return of tactical gravity nuclear weapons. The base hosts over 4,000 U.S. troops.
RAF Mildenhall supports U.S. Air Force operations with its 100th Air Refueling Wing, flying Boeing KC Stratotankers. RAF Feltwell houses U.S. Space Force and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance units, and is known for its sophisticated radar systems protected by weatherproof domes.
Broader Russian Campaign
The IISS found that between August 2024 and February 2026, Russia targeted 12 NATO member states and Ireland. The report stated that Russian forces "penetrated the perimeters of some of Europe's most sensitive defence installations," including sites housing American B61-12 gravity bombs and France's ballistic missile submarine base.
Previously, in 2024, then-MI5 chief Ken McCallum warned that Russian intelligence agencies were ordered to create "sustained mayhem" in Britain and Europe, with reports of suspicious arsons and sabotage operations emerging.
The UK government's response to the drone sightings in November 2024 was to decline acknowledgment of their origin. The revelations come amid ongoing discussions about the UK's defense spending, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer facing scrutiny over the Defence Investment Plan and its allocation of funds to security services. Despite warnings from military officials about the need for increased investment, the government has announced an additional £15 billion over four years, though experts suggest a further £25 billion annually is needed to meet NATO targets by 2035.