UK expands military powers to shoot down drones

British units are being given new powers to shoot down drones that pose a threat to military bases. This was reported by the Telegraph newspaper, citing an upcoming announcement by Defense Secretary John Healey.

This is part of a broader plan to strengthen the protection of key military infrastructure in the face of the growing threat from Russia.

Until now, British soldiers were only allowed to shoot down drones in exceptional circumstances. However, the new proposal allows them to use a “kinetic option” – i.e., physically disabling the drone directly on site. In addition to surveillance and jamming, this adds the option of decisive intervention.

For the time being, these powers will only apply to military installations, but the government is already considering extending them to other sensitive locations such as airports.

Since September 16, the surveillance service Enigma has registered at least 18 suspicious drones in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Germany – many of them near airports, though not all. Although Moscow denies involvement, suspicion of coordinated drone operations falls primarily on Russia.

(reuters, max)