Black objects, no radar trace: Mystery flyers spook British jets
RAF pilots have reported near-misses with unidentified black objects over the North Sea that were not detected by radar. While the incidents remain mysterious, there is speculation regarding potential foreign drone surveillance.
Why it matters
The incidents raise concerns about national security and the potential use of advanced or 'shadow' technology for surveillance in European airspace.
Two RAF jets reported near-misses with unidentified objects flying at up to 17,000 feet over the North Sea, with neither object detected on radar, according to incident reports reviewed by The Telegraph.According to The Telegraph, an RAF Voyager tanker encountered the first unidentified object on February 18 while refuelling a Typhoon fighter jet off Cromer, Norfolk, at an altitude of 17,000 feet. The pilot reported that the object passed approximately 100 to 150 feet above the tanker.The Voyager's pilot told the RAF radar controller that the small, black object had travelled east to west directly overhead. The controller said he could not see it on radar.
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