Increase in Drone Incidents Near UK Military Bases
The number of drone incidents occurring near military bases in the United Kingdom has doubled over the past year, according to data obtained by the BBC. In 2025, there were 266 recorded events involving drones, compared to 126 incidents reported in 2024.
Government sources have indicated that in some cases, they "can't rule out hostile state actors" being involved in these drone activities.
"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," said Defence Secretary John Healey.
Current Legal Powers and Proposed Legislation
At present, military personnel do not possess the legal authority to shoot down drones. Instead, they must rely on police intervention. The government is in the process of introducing legislation that will grant the military greater powers to take action against drones, including those operating underwater.
Healey added, "Through the Armed Forces Bill we're giving our military greater powers to take out and shoot down threatening drones near bases, and stepping up investment in counter-drone technology to keep Britain secure at home and strong abroad."
Currently, military protocol involves diverting drones or disrupting their GPS signals using counter-drone equipment. While the new legal powers are primarily focused on military sites, there is potential for extension to civilian locations such as airports.
Recent Drone Sightings at US-Used British Air Bases
In the previous year, multiple drones were observed over four British air bases utilized by the US Air Force. These bases include RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk, RAF Feltwell in Norfolk, and RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. The precise nature and intent of these drone sightings remain unclear.
Updated Drone Regulations in the UK
New, stricter drone operating rules were implemented in the UK at the beginning of 2025. These regulations now require drone operators to obtain flier IDs for any drone or model aircraft weighing at least 100 grams, a reduction from the previous threshold of 250 grams.
Drone Incursions Across Europe and Proposed Defence Measures
Last year saw an increase in drone incursions across Europe, including incidents at commercial airports and power stations. These activities have been attributed to Russia's suspected "hybrid warfare" program, which continues nearly four years into its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
In response, the European Union is developing a proposed "drone wall," a defence system designed to detect and neutralize rogue drones. This system is planned to extend from the Baltic states to the Black Sea and is expected to become operational by 2027, according to the EU's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas.
