UK Proposes New Powers for Military to Address Doubling of Drone Sightings Near Bases
The UK government has proposed new powers for military personnel to shoot down unidentified drones near military bases, following a significant increase in drone sightings from 126 in 2024 to 266 in 2025. This initiative, part of the Armed Forces Bill, aims to enhance national security amid rising threats linked to hybrid warfare, particularly related to Russia. The legislation will allow authorized personnel to neutralize drones across various domains, reflecting a broader trend of increased drone activity near military installations in NATO countries.
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The UK government reported a doubling of drone incidents near military bases, from 126 in 2024 to 266 in 2025, prompting a proposal to grant military personnel the authority to shoot down unidentified drones without police involvement. This change is part of the Armed Forces Bill aimed at enhancing national security amid rising threats perceived as hybrid warfare linked to Russia.
The British Ministry of Defense indicated that the legislation will enable authorized personnel to neutralize drones posing threats across land, sea, and air. Increased sightings of drones have been noted not only in the UK but also near military installations in Belgium, Denmark, and other NATO countries, coinciding with tensions related to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The UK has invested over £200 million in counter-drone technology and has deployed equipment to support NATO allies in responding to these threats.
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