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UK to Grant Troops New Powers to Shoot Down Drones Threatening Military Bases

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Britain's military bases, particularly those used by US forces, have been plagued by mystery drone sightings in recent years, prompting the Government to take action. Defence Secretary John Healey will announce new powers granting troops the authority to shoot down unidentified drones threatening UK military sites, aiming to cut "red tape" and allow for more "decisive action" by soldiers. This move comes amid growing concern about the risk of drone incursions into UK airspace, particularly from hostile states such as China and Russia.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK Government will grant troops new powers to shoot down unidentified drones threatening military bases, with Defence Secretary John Healey expected to unveil the plans today.
  • The new powers, which will initially apply to military sites, will give soldiers or Ministry of Defence (MoD) police a "kinetic option" to shoot down drones on site, which can only be done in extreme circumstances currently.
  • The move follows a series of drone sightings at British airbases used by US forces, with 60 British troops deployed to defend them last year.
  • Defence chiefs are concerned about the risk of drone incursions into UK airspace, with 19 Russian drones flying into Polish airspace last month and other unmanned aircraft sighted in Denmark, Norway, and Germany.
  • Russia has increased its use of drones to blitz Ukraine, launching around 5,500 drones in August alone and over 3,000 this month, according to Britain's latest defence intelligence assessment.
  • More British military drone experts will deploy to Moldova later this month to help scope requirements for Moldova's armed forces in counter-drone tactics.

Statistics:

  • 60 British troops were deployed to defend British airbases used by US forces last year after a series of mystery drone sightings.
  • 19 Russian drones flew into Polish airspace last month.
  • Around 19,500 drones have been launched by Russia into Ukraine since August, according to Britain's latest defence intelligence assessment.
  • 3,000 drones have been launched by Russia into Ukraine this month.
  • 5,500 drones were launched by Russia into Ukraine in August.
  • British military drone experts will deploy to Moldova to help scope requirements for Moldova's armed forces in counter-drone tactics.

Sources:

  • The Telegraph
  • Defence Secretary John Healey

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