Defence minister warns UK faces changing threats as rogue drones surge

Britain’s military bases saw a doubling of drone-related incidents last year, prompting the government to give its forces more powers to protect sites from aerial threats.

In 2025, there were 266 reported uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) incidents near defence sites in the UK, up from 126 in 2024, Caliber.Az reports via British media.

Officials say this reflects a broader trend of European airspace being increasingly targeted by drones.

“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,” Defence Minister John Healey said in a statement on February 2.

Drone incursions have caused significant disruption in Europe, with airports in Belgium and Denmark forced to close for hours in the final months of 2025. Experts said some incidents showed the hallmarks of Russian interference, a claim Moscow has denied.

To counter the threat, Healey said military officers would now have new powers to destroy drones operating near bases, a role previously requiring police involvement. The expanded powers will also cover land-based drones and unmanned vehicles operating underwater.

Security at military sites has already been increased. Last June, pro-Palestinian activists broke into a Royal Air Force base, damaging and spraying red paint on two planes used for refuelling and transport.

By Aghakazim Guliyev