The UK government has reported a sharp increase in the activity of unidentified drones near the country’s strategic sites, as reported by The Record.
According to the Ministry of Defence, last year the number of reports of drones spotted near military bases in the United Kingdom doubled, reaching 266 incidents compared to 126 in 2024. Of particular concern are nighttime flights over air bases used by the U.S. Air Force, raising suspicions of hostile reconnaissance by unknown actors.
The surge in such incidents has prompted authorities to expand the military’s powers. Previously, service members could use force only for the immediate protection of life or critically important sites, and engaging drones required police involvement. The changes introduced in the Armed Forces Bill now allow the military to independently destroy any drones posing a threat without waiting for law enforcement. Notably, the new rules will apply not only to aerial drones but also to ground and underwater drones.
The issue is international in nature: similar observations have been reported over key sites in Belgium, Poland, Romania, Denmark, and Germany.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized in a speech that such incidents are part of the hybrid warfare Russia is waging against Europe and called on countries to take the threat seriously. Although the UK has left the European Union, Royal Air Force specialists continue to actively assist NATO allies on the continent in counter-drone measures.
Defence Secretary John Healey noted that the increase in rogue drone activity highlights the changing nature of modern threats. According to him, expanding military powers is necessary to reliably protect personnel and government property. In addition to legislative changes, the UK government plans to increase investment in counter-drone technologies, aiming not only to ensure domestic security but also to strengthen Britain’s defensive position on the international stage.
