British soldiers will soon have the authority to shoot down drones threatening UK military bases under new powers set to be unveiled by Defence Secretary John Healey.
The plan, which introduces a new “kinetic option”, will allow British troops or Ministry of Defence (MoD) police to destroy drones that endanger military sites, a step beyond current rules that limit action to diverting or disrupting signals.
Until now, soldiers could only shoot down an unidentified drone in extreme circumstances. The move aims to let troops act faster amid rising drone activity across Europe
The move follows a string of mysterious drone sightings last year at airbases used by US forces, including RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk, RAF Feltwell in Norfolk, and RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.
Around 60 RAF personnel were deployed to assist the US Air Force’s investigation, though neither US nor UK officials have revealed who was behind the activity.
The affected airbases have strategic importance for the US military, which recently deployed F-22A fighter jets to RAF Lakenheath following airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites in June.
The new powers will initially apply only to military locations but could later extend to civilian areas such as airports, where drone incursions have repeatedly disrupted air traffic.
Europe has also seen a sharp rise in drone incidents. Earlier this month, EU leaders met in Denmark to discuss coordinated defences, including a proposed multi-layered “drone wall” to detect and destroy Russian drones.
Twenty Russian drones reportedly entered Polish airspace in September, while Russian MiG-31 jets violated Estonia’s airspace later that month, both incidents Moscow has denied.
Several European airports, including those in Munich, Denmark, and Norway, were forced to close after drones were spotted near airports and military zones.
Authorities say there is no evidence linking the incidents directly to Russia, but security agencies across Europe are on alert.
Counting is underway in Armenia's elections. The results of the vote are set to determine the political direction of the country of three million peop...
The Iranian national football team is set to arrive in North America for the World Cup after finally securing travel documents, but a dispute over U.S...
Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry has confirmed the number of casualties its citizens suffered as a result of the 5 June drone attacks on the cargo ships ...
The U.S. plans to seek the redirection of Iranian assets to Gulf states to help fund reconstruction and repairs for damage attributed to Iran, a sourc...
At least a dozen people were wounded, two critically, on Saturday (6 June) in Toledo, Ohio, as two shooters traded gunfire, police said....
China and Britain sat down for a major round of talks in Beijing on Tuesday and walked away with a clear message that the two countries want a better, closer relationship and that they are actively working to build one.
The United Kingdom has begun using SpaceX's Starshield satellite network for military operations, according to people familiar with the matter, marking one of the first known deployments of the secure government-focused system outside the U.S.
Protesters chanted “I can’t breathe” and threw bins at police in Southampton on Tuesday (2 June) after footage emerged showing murdered teenager Henry Nowak being arrested as he lay dying from a stab wound.
Police officers were pelted with missiles during violent clashes at a protest near the Southampton, UK, home of convicted murderer Vickrum Digwa, as anger continued to grow over the handling of the fatal stabbing of 18-year-old Henry Nowak.
Counting is underway in Armenia's elections. The results of the vote are set to determine the political direction of the country of three million people for the next few years. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is hoping to fend off challenges from several pro-Russia candidates to secure a third term.
Armenian authorities arrested six candidates from the pro-Russian Strong Armenia bloc on Saturday, one day before voters were due to take part in parliamentary elections.
More than 6,000 people gathered outside a vote-counting centre in Seoul on Friday night, demanding this week’s local elections be repeated after ballot shortages left some voters unable to cast their ballots.
Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry has confirmed the number of casualties its citizens suffered as a result of the 5 June drone attacks on the cargo ships Natra and Zircon in the Sea of Azov. In a statement, it said four Azerbaijani citizens were killed and four others were injured.
The U.S. said it struck Iranian radar sites on Qeshm Island and in Goruk after intercepting four drones, while Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they launches retaliatory strikes on four tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and targeted U.S. bases in the Gulf.
The Iranian national football team is set to arrive in North America for the World Cup after finally securing travel documents, but a dispute over U.S. visa approvals continues to cast a shadow over the country's tournament preparations.
At least a dozen people were wounded, two critically, on Saturday (6 June) in Toledo, Ohio, as two shooters traded gunfire, police said.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 7 June, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih al‑Zaidi will pay an official visit to the United States, bringing with him a delegation of business leaders, private‑sector representatives and banking officials, in an effort to boost investment and deepen economic ties with Washington.
People across Gaza are facing a worsening humanitarian crisis, with millions struggling to access food, clean water, shelter and medical care as the conflict continues.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment