UK army to be granted powers to shoot down drones around army bases
(MENAFN) British forces will be granted new powers to neutralize drones that pose a threat to military bases, Defence Secretary John Healey announced ahead of a speech on Monday. The move is intended to allow troops to respond more quickly and decisively to drone incursions.
Last year, four UK airbases used by US forces reported mysterious drone sightings, while similar incidents have disrupted airspace across Europe in recent months. The new measures will initially apply only to military sites, though there is potential to extend them to civilian locations, such as airports.
The Defence Ministry is introducing a “kinetic option,” which would allow British troops or Ministry of Defence police to shoot down drones posing a threat to military installations in the UK. Currently, soldiers are limited to diverting drones or disrupting their GPS signals using counter-drone technology, with shooting allowed only in extreme circumstances.
Airbases affected last November included RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk, RAF Feltwell in Norfolk, and RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. Around 60 RAF personnel assisted the US Air Force in investigating the incidents. Officials have not identified the source of the drones. These bases are strategically important for US forces; for instance, F-22A fighter jets were recently deployed to RAF Lakenheath following the US bombing of Iranian nuclear sites in June.
Drone sightings across Europe have raised alarm. A recent EU leaders’ summit in Denmark discussed multi-layered “drone walls” designed to detect, track, and neutralize Russian drones.
In September, twenty Russian drones crossed into Poland, and Russian MiG-31 jets entered Estonian airspace, though Russia denied involvement.
Unidentified drones have also forced temporary closures at European airports, including multiple consecutive days in Munich, Germany, as well as airports in Denmark and Norway.
Authorities have found no conclusive evidence linking Moscow to these incidents.
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