"There were 266 recorded events involving drones in 2025, a rise from the 126 reported in 2024. Government sources have said that with some of those incidents they "can't rule out hostile state actors". Defence Secretary John Healey said: "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.""
"Military personnel do not currently have the legal power to shoot down drones, and instead rely on the police. The government is introducing legislation to change that, which will also allow the military to take action against drones 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.""
Drone incursions near UK military bases doubled from 126 in 2024 to 266 in 2025. Government sources say some incidents raise concerns that hostile state actors cannot be ruled out. Military personnel currently lack legal authority to shoot down drones and rely on police intervention. Legislation in the Armed Forces Bill will grant the military powers to destroy threatening drones near bases and take action against underwater drones, alongside increased investment in counter-drone technology. New UK rules now require flier IDs for drones weighing at least 100g. European drone incidents have been linked to suspected hybrid warfare activity.
Read at www.bbc.com
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