UK Troops Get New Powers To Shoot Down Drones Near Bases

UK Troops Get New Powers To Shoot Down Drones Near Bases

British soldiers will soon be authorised to shoot down drones threatening military bases, under new powers set to be unveiled by Defence Secretary John Healey. The change aims to allow faster, more decisive responses to potential security threats after a string of mysterious drone sightings over key UK airbases used by US forces.

Currently, troops can only divert or jam drones’ GPS signals using specialist counter-drone equipment, with live fire permitted only in exceptional circumstances. The new “kinetic option” — first reported by the Daily Telegraph — would expand those rules, empowering British personnel or Ministry of Defence police to open fire when a drone poses a credible risk.

The move follows reports of drone incursions at RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, RAF Feltwell, and RAF Fairford in late 2024, all critical hubs for US military operations in Europe. Around 60 RAF personnel were deployed to assist the US Air Force investigation, though neither London nor Washington has identified the source of the incursions.

The measure comes amid a surge in drone-related incidents across Europe. In recent months, drones have forced airport shutdowns in Germany, Denmark, and Norway, while twenty Russian drones reportedly crossed into Polish airspace in September. EU leaders have discussed a proposed “drone wall” system to track and neutralise hostile UAVs.

Healey’s new powers will initially apply only to military sites but could later be extended to civilian infrastructure such as airports. The Defence Secretary is expected to frame the move as part of broader efforts to bolster UK homeland security in an era of hybrid warfare and drone proliferation.

Key Takeaways:

• British troops to gain authority to shoot down threatening drones.

• Move follows mysterious drone incursions over UK-US airbases.

• Powers may later expand to protect airports and civilian sites.

Source: BBC News