RAF jets report near-miss incidents with unidentified drones

The Royal Air Force has reported two separate near-miss incidents involving unidentified drones over the North Sea. These encounters occurred during military training exercises earlier this year, involving an Airbus Voyager tanker and Typhoon fighter jets.

The first incident took place on February 18 near Cromer, Norfolk, during an air-to-air refuelling mission. An unidentified object was sighted at an altitude of 17,000 feet, significantly exceeding the standard 400-foot legal limit for drones. A second encounter was reported on February 23 near Humberside, where a pilot observed a black, circular object passing approximately 300 feet above a Typhoon jet during simulated air combat.

Both incidents were recorded in official logs and reported to police authorities, including North Yorkshire Police. While investigators have not found direct evidence linking the sightings to foreign adversaries, the drones' ability to evade radar detection has raised security concerns. The Ministry of Defence stated it is investing over £2 billion into air defence and counter-drone capabilities to maintain vigilance against potential threats.