Conflict & Security
RAF jets report close encounters with mystery drones over the North Sea
October 17, 2026 at 10:56 AM
Coverage
2 reports · 1 in Arabic, 1 in English · over 11 hours
Royal Air Force jets reported approaching two unidentified drones over British skies during training exercises this year, according to incident logs.
- Royal Air Force jets reported closing with two unidentified drones during air-combat simulation and aerial-refueling exercises over the North Sea this year.
- One mystery object was observed at 17,000 feet, more than 40 times the legal ceiling for commercial drones.
- Incident logs show the RAF reported the sightings to police, with multiple external investigations ongoing.
- The first near-miss occurred on 18 February off Cromer, Norfolk, as an Airbus Voyager refueled a Typhoon fighter.