Unidentified Drones Spotted Near Aircraft Carrier Queen Elizabeth and Other Military Sites in Europe

Over recent days, multiple sightings of unidentified drones over military bases in Europe have raised alarms about potential espionage and the adequacy of existing defense measures.

On November 22, an unidentified drone was reported flying near the HMS Queen Elizabeth, the Royal Navy’s aircraft carrier, which was docked near the port of Hamburg, Germany.

According to Bild, the drone monitored the carrier for an extended period before disappearing. German police attempted to intercept the drone using a countermeasure device, but the drone evaded detection and its operator remained unidentified.

The drone’s flight path was lost near the Tollerort terminal, which has been under partial Chinese ownership for over a year.

Earlier in the week, on November 20, several drones were detected over the Lakenheath Air Base in the UK.

The US Air Forces in Europe-Africa reported that the drones varied in size and configuration. To intercept the drones, US military forces reportedly deployed F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft. The drones were closely monitored, although it remains unclear whether the intrusion posed a direct threat.

In addition to the UK and Germany, there have also been reports of drones near US Army facilities, such as the Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey.

The identities and affiliations of the drones remain speculative, with many experts suggesting that they could be of Russian or Chinese origin. However, some have speculated that they may also be part of a test involving secret domestic technology, though this is considered less likely.

The frequent appearance of drones over key military infrastructure underscores the vulnerabilities faced by NATO and European countries in securing their defense assets. This issue is further complicated by the varying capabilities and regulations across different nations, as well as a lack of sufficient counter-drone measures in some regions.