Defence Secretary John Healey is set to announce new powers for soldiers to shoot down unidentified drones near UK military bases, responding to a recent spate of incursions in Europe. The measure will be outlined in a speech in the City of London on Monday, where Healey will also highlight increased Russian drone activity in Ukraine and eastern Europe.
Currently, drones can be neutralised electronically through signal or GPS jamming. The new plan would grant additional powers to use force, potentially extending to airports such as Heathrow and Gatwick. Healey is expected to say: 'We are developing new powers – to be put into law through our armed forces bill – to shoot down unidentified drones over UK military sites.'
The announcement follows 21 unarmed Russian drones crossing into Polish airspace last month, closing four airports and prompting Nato to scramble jets. In September, drones were sighted over military bases and closed airports in Denmark and other Nordic countries, suspected of being launched from a tanker. Last November, small drones were seen at four RAF bases used by the US air force, including RAF Lakenheath and RAF Fairford, though their hostility was unclear.
Firing on drones poses risks to civilians; a missile from a Polish F-16 during the Russian incursion hit a house roof in Lublin, causing no injuries. Healey will also warn of increased Russian drone use in Ukraine, with UK Defence Intelligence counting 5,500 one-way attack drones launched in September, up 1,000 from August, and over 3,000 so far in October. The Kremlin has targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure ahead of winter, causing blackouts.
Healey will state: 'Last month, we saw drones cross the Polish border. Days later, Russian jets violated Estonia’s airspace, while at the same time, Russia mounted a concerted campaign to subvert Moldova’s election.' The speech is part of the lord mayor’s defence and security lecture.
