(Photo by MICHAEL MCGARRY via Pexels)
By Ben Robinson
This is the extraordinary moment a police helicopter had flew close to a fighter jet above an RAF base while hunting drones.
New footage released by National Police Air Service (NPAS) shows the terrifying incident involving an F-15 - an American fighter jet which can reach speeds of up to 1,650 mph.
The recording captures the aircraft circling the area close to the police chopper while searches for mystery drones were carried out at RAF Lakenheath, Suffolk.
The helicopter and jet at one point came within 1,900ft (579m) of each other.
The UK Airprox Board, which investigates near misses, concluded the helicopter pilot had misidentified red flashing lights belonging to the F-15 Eagle.
This is the extraordinary moment a fighter jet almost crashed with a police helicopter above an RAF base. (National Police Air Service via SWNS)
A report by UK Airprox Board said the NPAS helicopter had made several transmission to air traffic control to explain their movements and what the 'drones' were doing.
However investigators highlighted how the crew on board the helicopter had not been told by RAF Lakenheath of the F-15's presence.
They noted that while the fighter pilot knew where the helicopter was, "it may have been particularly beneficial for the situational awareness of the EC135 pilot if the Lakenheath Approach Controller had passed reciprocal traffic information to them".
Police call logs from November 22, and November 27, 2024, reveal NPAS had to withdraw from its mission due to coming close to the apparent drone.
RAF Lakenheath is the largest U.S. Air Force base in Europe and home to the 48th Fighter Wing, the only F-15 fighter wing based in Europe.
The unmanned aerial devices were first spotted on November 20 at four air bases in the UK including RAF Mildenhall, RAF Lakenheath and RAF Feltwell in Norfolk.
Around 60 British troops were drafted in to help the United States Air Force investigate the mystery aircrafts.
A fighter jet almost crashing into a police helicopter above RAF Lakenheath, Suffolk, England. (National Police Air Service via SWNS)
The Ministry of Defence confirmed last month its investigation into the drone activity had concluded.
Accountable Manager at NPAS Chief Superintendent Vicki White said: “At NPAS, safety remains our foremost priority.
"It is imperative that any concerns raised by our crews are reported without delay and thoroughly investigated to determine any potential risk to aviation safety.
“The crew demonstrated professionalism and sound judgement in identifying a potential hazard.
“With no traffic information provided and no situational awareness regarding the presence of the F15 aircraft, the crew correctly returned to base as a precautionary measure.
“We note the UK Airprox Board’s conclusion that there was no risk of collision.
“NPAS remains committed to supporting the highest standards of aviation safety and to working collaboratively with our partners across the sector.”