Drones fly over France’s nuclear submarine base

French authorities detected several drones over the Île Longue submarine base in Finistère on the evening of December 4, raising concerns about potential security threats to the country’s nuclear deterrent.

Around 19:30, five drones were recorded flying over the base, which houses France’s nuclear missile submarines (SNLEs), Caliber.Az reports via French media.

The incident prompted the deployment of anti-drone measures and search operations. The marine fusiliers responsible for base security reportedly fired at the drones in response.

The Île Longue base, often described as the sanctuary of France’s nuclear deterrent, is defended by 120 naval gendarmes working alongside marine fusiliers. It maintains the country’s four SNLEs, with at least one constantly at sea to ensure operational readiness.

While drone overflights in the area are not unprecedented, Thursday’s incident marks a significant breach of the restricted zone. A previous event was reported on 17–18 November over the Crozon peninsula, though without direct intrusion into military grounds.

The maritime prefecture of the Atlantic and the local prosecutor’s office had not provided comments at the time of reporting.

By Aghakazim Guliyev