Drone incidents near UK military bases double year-on-year
Sharp Rise in Drone Incidents Near UK Military Bases
The number of drone incidents near military bases in the United Kingdom has more than doubled over the past year, according to reports. In 2025, there were 266 reported incidents involving drones, a sharp increase from the 126 recorded in 2024.
Government officials have stated they cannot rule out the involvement of hostile state actors in several of these incursions. Defence Secretary John Healey remarked:
"The doubling of rogue drone sightings near military installations in the United Kingdom underscores the increasing and shifting nature of the threats we face."
Legislative Changes: The Armed Forces Bill
Currently, British military forces lack the legal authority to shoot down drones, instead relying on the police to intervene. The government is now enacting legislation to address this gap:
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New Authority: The Armed Forces Bill will grant the military greater powers to intercept and shoot down threatening drones near bases.
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Subsurface Threats: The bill will also allow the military to take action against drones operating underwater.
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Civilian Protection: While primarily focused on military installations, these powers may eventually be extended to civilian sites, such as airports.
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Technology Investment: There is a renewed focus on counter-drone technology. Currently, soldiers must rely on protocols to divert drones or disrupt their GPS signals rather than using kinetic force.
Notable Incursions
Last year, multiple drones were observed over four British airbases used by the US Air Force (USAF):
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RAF Lakenheath (Suffolk)
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RAF Mildenhall (Suffolk)
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RAF Feltwell (Norfolk)
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RAF Fairford (Gloucestershire)
Stricter Regulations and Global Context
At the start of 2026, stricter drone legislation came into effect. Previously, only operators of drones over 250g required identification; now, all operators of drones or model aircraft, regardless of weight, must possess a Flyer ID.
This domestic surge mirrors a broader trend across Europe. Increases in drone incursions at commercial airports and power stations have been attributed to alleged hybrid warfare programmes. In response, EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas announced the development of a 'European Drone Wall'—a surveillance and defence system stretching from the Baltic states to the Black Sea—which is expected to be operational by 2027.
