The number of drone incidents recorded near UK military bases has doubled year-on-year, according to figures, prompting renewed concerns about national security and hostile surveillance.
In 2025, 266 drone-related incidents were logged close to military sites across the UK, up sharply from 126 incidents in 2024. Government sources have warned that in some cases they “can’t rule out hostile state actors” being involved.
Defence Secretary John Healey said the figures highlight how rapidly security threats are evolving. “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,” he said.
Despite the rise in incidents, military personnel currently do not have the legal authority to shoot down drones, even when they are believed to pose a threat. Responsibility instead sits with the police. That is set to change under new legislation being introduced by the government.
As part of the forthcoming Armed Forces Bill, the military will be granted new powers to take action against threatening drones near bases, including the ability to shoot them down. The legislation will also allow the armed forces to counter drones operating underwater, reflecting growing concerns about emerging technologies.
Healey said the changes would strengthen Britain’s defences, adding: “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.”
Under current procedures, soldiers rely on counter-drone equipment to divert drones or disrupt their GPS signals. While the proposed powers are primarily focused on military sites, the government has indicated they could be extended to civilian locations, including airports, if required.
Security concerns intensified last year after multiple drones were spotted over four British air bases used by the US Air Force. These included RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk, RAF Feltwell in Norfolk, and RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. The exact nature and purpose of those sightings remain unknown.
The increase in incidents comes amid tighter drone regulations introduced at the start of this year. Anyone flying a drone or model aircraft weighing 100g or more, reduced from the previous 250g threshold, must now hold a Flier ID.
The issue is not limited to the UK. Across Europe, drone incursions near airports, power stations and military infrastructure rose last year. Several incidents have been linked to Russia’s suspected programme of “hybrid warfare”, almost four years into its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
In response, the European Union is developing a proposed “drone wall”, a defensive system designed to detect and destroy rogue drones along a stretch from the Baltic states to the Black Sea. According to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, the system is expected to become operational in 2027.
