Britain saw drone incidents near defence sites rise sharply to 266 in 2025, up from 126 the year before. Defence Minister John Healey announced the military will be granted new powers to destroy hostile drones and other unmanned vehicles without needing prior police involvement. The moves come after disruptive drone activity across Europe and a security breach at an RAF base last June.
Drone Incidents Near UK Military Sites Doubled in 2025, Government Grants Forces New Powers
British Defence Secretary John Healey talks to the media in Copenhagen, Denmark, January 21, 2026. REUTERS/Tom Little
LONDON, Feb 2 — Reported drone activity around Britain’s military installations surged in 2025, reflecting a shifting threat landscape and prompting ministers to broaden the armed forces’ powers to defend sites from unmanned aerial and other robotic threats.
Official figures show 266 uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) incidents close to defence sites in 2025, up from 126 in 2024. Defence Minister John Healey said the rise underlines “the increasing and changing nature of the threats we face.”
Drone incursions have disrupted operations beyond the UK. In the latter months of 2025, airports in Belgium and Denmark were forced to close for hours after suspected drone activity — events some experts say bear the hallmarks of Russian interference, a claim Moscow denies.
To bolster protection of sensitive sites, Healey announced that military officers will be granted new authorities to neutralise drones operating near bases — an action that previously required police involvement. The expanded powers will also allow the military to destroy hostile land-based drones and unmanned vehicles operating underwater.
Security at military installations has already been tightened. Last June, pro-Palestinian activists breached a Royal Air Force base, damaging and spraying red paint on two refuelling and transport aircraft — an incident officials say influenced the decision to strengthen site protections.
What This Means
The policy change aims to speed up responses to aerial threats and reduce reliance on civilian law enforcement in urgent situations. Critics may raise concerns about oversight and rules of engagement; ministers say safeguards and clear protocols will accompany the new powers.
Quote: "The doubling of rogue drones near military sites in the UK in the last year underlines the increasing and changing nature of the threats we face," — Defence Minister John Healey.
(Reporting by Sarah Young; editing by Paul Sandle)
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