FAIRFORD, ENGLAND – MARCH 11: A cargo plane comes into land with two US Air Force B-1 bombers in the foreground at RAF Fairford on March 11, 2026 in Fairford, England. Since UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer allowed the US to use British bases to launch defensive strikes against Iranian missile sites, a variety of US military aircraft including B52 bombers, and B-1 bombers, have arrived at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
A drone sighting that briefly sparked concerns at one of the United States Air Force’s largest and most critical airfields earlier this month was more widespread, and conceivably more perilous, than initially conveyed, according to a sensitive internal briefing paper obtained by ABC News.
Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana communicated it was subjected to a shelter-in-place directive March 9 following “a report of an unpiloted aerial vehicle functioning above the installation.”
The sighting generated apprehension because Barksdale is home to long-distance B-52 bombers and has a vital function in command and supervision of the Air Force’s nuclear safeguard resources.
The shelter-in-place directive was rescinded later that day, but the unapproved drone activity carried on for approximately a week.
“Barksdale Air Force Base identified numerous unsanctioned drones operating within our airspace during the week commencing March 9th,” Capt. Hunter Rininger of the 2nd Bomb Wing articulated in a statement given to ABC News. The further drone breaches had not been previously documented.
According to the private briefing record dated March 15, the drones arrived in successions and entered and departed the base in a manner that might indicate attempts to “evade the operator(s) from being pinpointed.” Lights affixed to the drones proposed the operators “may be evaluating security reactions” at the base.
“Between March 9-15, 2026, BAFB Security Forces noticed multiple waves of 12-15 drones functioning above delicate sections of the installation, including the flight line, with aircraft exhibiting non-commercial signal characteristics, extended-range control connections and resistance to signal jamming,” the record conveyed. “After reaching numerous locations across the facility, the drones spread throughout sensitive zones on the base.”
According to the document, no drone activity was detected on March 13 and 14, and it remains unclear whether there has been activity since then.
The flights persisted around four hours on each occasion, and the drones utilized assorted routes of entry and considered maneuvering within forbidden airspace.
FAIRFORD, ENGLAND – MARCH 11: A cargo plane comes into land with two US Air Force B-1 bombers in the foreground at RAF Fairford on March 11, 2026 in Fairford, England. Since UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer allowed the US to use British bases to launch defensive strikes against Iranian missile sites, a variety of US military aircraft including B52 bombers, and B-1 bombers, have arrived at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
“Certainly, it appeared to be more than simply your ordinary drone aficionado who just drove it excessively,” stated ABC News contributor Mick Mulroy, a former deputy assistant secretary of defense. “It seemed like this was conscious and intentional to observe just how they would respond.”
The briefing incorporates a judgment that the drones were distinct from what the typical consumer could obtain from the market. They seemed to be uniquely constructed and necessitated “sophisticated understanding” of signal functioning.
The analysts articulated “with considerable conviction” they anticipated unauthorized drones to continue to function in and around Barksdale Air Force Base in the near term.
“The drone incursions at BAFB create a noteworthy hazard to public well-being and national security since they necessitate the flight line to be suspended while also jeopardizing manned aircrafts presently airborne in the locality,” the record expressed.
The FAA directed ABC News to the military for remarks. The Louisiana State Police, which is also aiding the investigation, chose not to comment.
“Piloting a drone over a military establishment is not merely a safety concern; it is a criminal infraction under federal legislation. We are collaborating intimately with federal and local law enforcement organizations to scrutinize these breaches. The protection of our installation and the well-being of our personnel are paramount concerns, and we will persist in vigilantly overseeing our airspace,” Capt. Rininger’s statement declared.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com