Summary
The UK military is gaining new authority to shoot down drones that pose a threat to its bases. This decision follows recent drone sightings near UK airbases used by US forces, with similar incidents also reported in other parts of Europe. The plans, announced by Defence Secretary John Healey, aim to allow faster responses to such threats.
Key Facts
- UK soldiers will soon have the power to shoot down drones threatening military bases.
- The move is announced by Defence Secretary John Healey and is meant to speed up responses to drone threats.
- Four British airbases used by US forces reported unidentified drone sightings last year.
- New powers will initially apply only to military sites but might extend to civilian locations like airports.
- Current rules require drones to be redirected or their GPS signals disrupted; shooting down is only for extreme cases.
- RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, RAF Feltwell, and RAF Fairford experienced drone incursions in November.
- Recent drone sightings have caused airport closures in multiple European countries, including Germany and Denmark.
- EU leaders discussed creating a "drone wall" to counter such threats from Russian drones.
