UK Military on High Alert as Drone Incidents Near Bases Double in a Year
LONDON, February 2 (Reuters) – The UK Ministry of Defence is grappling with a dramatic surge in drone activity near its sensitive installations, with reported incidents more than doubling last year. The spike underscores a rapidly evolving security landscape where low-cost aerial technology is challenging traditional defence perimeters.
Official data shows 266 incidents involving unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in proximity to military bases across Britain in 2025, a significant jump from 126 the previous year. This trend mirrors a wider pattern of disrupted European airspace, where drones have temporarily shuttered major airports in Belgium and Denmark. Security analysts frequently point to potential state-sponsored interference, allegations consistently rejected by Moscow.
"This isn't just a numerical increase; it represents a fundamental shift in the threats facing our homeland security," Defence Secretary John Healey stated. "We are observing a move from isolated nuisance flights to more coordinated and potentially hostile reconnaissance activities."
In response, the government has moved to grant military personnel new, streamlined authorities. Officers can now independently order the disruption or destruction of drones—airborne, terrestrial, or submersible—operating near protected sites, a responsibility that previously required police coordination. This legal shift aims to drastically reduce response times to imminent threats.
The policy revision follows a series of security breaches, including a June 2025 incursion by pro-Palestinian activists at a Royal Air Force base, which resulted in damage to aircraft. The ministry confirms that physical security and electronic counter-drone measures have been concurrently enhanced across the estate.
/// EXPERT & PUBLIC REACTION ///
Maj. Gen. (Ret'd) Alistair Croft, former Head of Air Defence: "The numbers are alarming but expected. Our adversaries are probing for weaknesses with cheap, disposable tech. These new powers are a necessary step, but the real solution lies in layered, integrated detection systems, not just reactive shoot-down orders."
Dr. Lena Sharma, Security Analyst at the Royal United Services Institute: "This data formalizes what we've seen anecdotally. The blurring line between civilian hobbyist drones and hostile intelligence gathering is the core challenge. Legislation must keep pace with technology to protect both security and legitimate commercial use."
Ryan Carter, a veteran and activist from "Secure Our Skies": "Doubling? It's a scandalous failure of preparedness! The government has been asleep at the wheel while every amateur with a drone kit can map our defences. Handing more 'powers' to the military is a plaster on a bullet wound—where is the proactive, nationwide defence strategy?"
Maya Patel, a commercial drone operator in Bristol: "As a licensed pilot, this worries me. There needs to be clear, public communication about these new no-fly zones and enforcement rules. Responsible users don't want to stumble into a restricted area and face having our equipment destroyed."
(Reporting by Sarah Young; Editing by Paul Sandle)