MOD responds after reports of Chinese drones spying on UK bases

It's being reported that Chinese drones are spying on British military bases, with 18 sightings registered in two years.

It follows a Freedom of Information request by the newspaper The Sunday People.

The paper claims the drone sightings took place between 2019 and 2021, over the nuclear submarine base in Faslane, Scotland, and the Atomic Weapons Establishment in Aldermaston in Berkshire.

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Faslane is considered the most sensitive military establishment in the UK – home to Trident submarines and nuclear weapons.

Nuclear warheads are made at the site in Aldermaston.

According to the paper, a report from one nuclear site said: "Security personnel reported a drone being flown close to a facility".

Another said: "Drone landed in area and secured by security personnel."

Yet another said: "Officer reported seeing a drone flying. No drone located upon further search."

All nuclear weapons sites and power stations are guarded by armed MOD Police officers who are allowed to shoot to kill if the bases come under attack.

The Ministry of Defence has responded to the Freedom of Information request and told Forces News: "We have robust security measures in place at all defence sites including nuclear bases, to respond to all such incidents.

"While we cannot comment on specific security arrangements or procedures, we continue to invest in a range of measures to tackle future threats, including counter-drone technology."

Project Synergia, managed by Defence Equipment & Support, has delivered counter-drone technology, while the Defence and Security Accelerator is looking for solutions to address the increasing threat of unmanned aircraft systems.