"Particularly troubling" - Nearly 200 drones spotted at UK military bases this year
Drones have been spotted at UK military bases nearly 200 times since the start of the year, official figures show.
The 187 sightings will fuel ongoing concerns over incursions by unmanned aerial vehicles at sensitive sites.
Defence Secretary John Healey recently announced new powers would be introduced to allow the military to shoot down devices near its installations as he pledged to “do what’s needed to defend the British people”.
The number of airborne infractions at defence establishments was revealed in response to a parliamentary written question by former Plaid Cymru leader Lord Wigley, who has described the situation as “concerning”.
Defence minister Lord Coaker said: “Since January 1 2025 there have been a total of 187 drone sightings in the vicinity of military establishments in the UK.
“We will not comment on the sensitivity of establishments or our specific security arrangements in relation to identifying and capturing drones, however, we can assure you that we take the safety and security of our personnel, assets and operations extremely seriously.
“We maintain multi-layered security measures, including counter-drone capabilities which can identify and facilitate the capture of drones.”
Lord Wigley said: “It is concerning that there have been 187 drone sightings in the vicinity of military establishments across the UK since the beginning of this year alone.
“This is particularly troubling given the recent incursions reported in Denmark, Poland, and Romania.
“While I welcome the Government’s assurances and their ongoing efforts to identify and intercept these drones, the public deserve to have full confidence that ministers are doing everything possible to protect people and safeguard our national security.”
Last year, a number of unidentified devices were spotted on multiple occasions over three airbases used by US forces in the UK: RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall, in Suffolk; and RAF Feltwell, in Norfolk; while a device came within 250 metres of the Portsmouth-based Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth during a visit to Hamburg.
Earlier this week, the UK agreed to send military support to Belgium after drones were recently seen above defence bases and airports in the country, causing disruption. There has also been suspicious activity over other European airports, including in Germany, Denmark, Norway and Sweden.
The overflights have been blamed by some on Russia, which has used drones extensively in its invasion of Ukraine, although the Kremlin has denied any involvement.