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.
The Libyan army’s chief of staff, Mohammed Ali Ahmed Al-Haddad, tragically died in a plane crash on Tuesday after departing from Türkiye’s capita...
The economic and political relationship between Azerbaijan and Türkiye has been on an upward trajectory, with both countries strengthening their ties...
In the midst of political tensions and a looming budget crisis in France, the government is grappling with the intricacies of passing an emergency bil...
Afghanistan and Iran have signed an implementation plan to strengthen regulation of food, medicine, and health products based on a 2023 cooperation ag...
Current security challenges and ongoing geopolitical shifts were the focus of the annual Georgia Ambassadors' Conference taking place from 22 - 25 Dec...
The Conservative Party says it would cut funding for green energy projects and redirect the money into defence, arguing the UK needs to be ready for war.
The UK government has advised its citizens against travelling to Afghanistan, citing tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban led government.
The head of Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service, the foreign spy service known as MI6, has warned that Russia "remains an aggressive and expansionist threat", vowing sustained support for Ukraine and calling for greater use of technology to protect UK security.
Public spending watchdog says billions were wasted on temporary housing, while Downing Street confirms it will not follow Australia’s lead on age-restricting digital platforms.
Vince Zampella, co-creator of the Call of Duty gaming franchise, has died in a car crash involving a Ferrari crash on Monday in Los Angeles, United States.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is monitoring recent Iranian military exercises and will raise the issue with U.S. President Donald Trump during his visit to Washington next week.
Paramount has reaffirmed its bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, offering $30 per share in cash and backing the proposal with a $40.4 billion personal equity guarantee from billionaire Larry Ellison, despite the target company’s board urging shareholders to reject the offer.
U.S. President Donald Trump has approved plans to construct a new class of battleships, which he described as larger, faster and significantly more powerful than any previous U.S. warship.
As the European Commission warns of possible visa suspension, Georgian authorities reject accusations of democratic backsliding. What is really at stake — and who could be affected most?
The Libyan army’s chief of staff, Mohammed Ali Ahmed Al-Haddad, tragically died in a plane crash on Tuesday after departing from Türkiye’s capital, Ankara, as confirmed by the prime minister of Libya’s internationally recognised government.
In the midst of political tensions and a looming budget crisis in France, the government is grappling with the intricacies of passing an emergency bill ahead of the Christmas period.
As the year comes to a close, questions remain about the sustainability of European Union support for Ukraine. Political analyst Orkhan Nabiyev, speaking to AnewZ from Baku, expressed confidence that EU backing will hold firm into 2026.
Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments to China have surged by 1.6 million tonnes in November marking a 143% increase from the same period last year.
The European Union has released €2.3 billion in financial aid to Ukraine to support urgent social and civil infrastructure needs. According to political analyst Orkhan Nabiyev, this move reflects the EU’s assessment that a peace deal with Russia is unlikely in the near future.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment