RAF aircraft report two near misses with suspected drones over North Sea

British military aircraft reported two near misses with suspected drones during Royal Air Force training in February over the North Sea, prompting investigations into unidentified objects. One incident occurred during air-to-air refueling: an RAF Airbus Voyager tanker operating with a Typhoon fighter near Cromer, Norfolk, reportedly experienced an object that entered restricted airspace at altitudes above 10,000 feet. The tanker pilot took evasive action, later informing controllers, according to The Telegraph. Separately, on February 23 near Humberside, a Typhoon pilot spotted a black circular object about 300 feet above the fighter during simulated aerial combat training and alerted the radar controller, who reported it to North Yorkshire Police. The Ministry of Defence said it is enhancing surveillance and detection, while the government is investing more than £2 billion in integrated air defense and counter-drone systems. Unidentified objects are not presumed hostile, but protocols remain in place; origin and intent are still unclear.