Nearly 200 drone sightings near UK military bases since the start of the year, MOD confirms

Nearly 200 drones have been observed at UK military bases since the start of the year, the Ministry of Defence has said. 

The 187 sightings underscore growing concerns over the threat of unmanned aerial system incursions at sensitive sites. 

Defence Secretary John Healey recently announced new powers would be introduced, allowing the military to shoot down devices near its installations, and has pledged to "do what's needed to defend British people". 

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The number of incursions was revealed in response to a parliamentary question from former Plaid Cymru leader Lord Wigley, by which he described the situation as "concerning."

In reply, Defence Minister Lord Coaker confirmed: "Since 1 January 2025, there have been a total of 187 drone sightings in the vicinity of military establishments in the UK.

"We will not comment on the sensitivity of establishments or our specific security arrangements in relation to identifying and capturing drones; however, we can assure you that we take the safety and security of our personnel, assets and operations extremely seriously.

"We maintain multi-layered security measures, including counter-drone capabilities which can identify and facilitate the capture of drones."

Lord Wigley said: "This is particularly troubling given the recent incursions reported in Denmark, Poland, and Romania.

"While I welcome the Government's assurances and their ongoing efforts to identify and intercept these drones, the public deserve to have full confidence that ministers are doing everything possible to protect people and safeguard our national security."

Heightened drone activity 

Last year, unidentified devices were observed on multiple occasions over RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall and RAF Feltwell – three airbases that host United States Air Force operations.   

More recently, a rise in drone sightings across Europe prompted EU leaders to convene at a summit in Copenhagen in October.

Twenty Russian drones crossed into Poland in September, while three armed Russian MiG-31 aircraft violated Estonian airspace for over ten minutes later in the month. 

Other recent drone sightings forced European airports to close, including two in two consecutive days in Munich, Germany. 

Unidentified drones were spotted over Copenhagen airport and Oslo Gardermoen airport in neighbouring Norway, forcing them both to close for several hours.

More recently, BFBS Forces News understands gunners from the RAF Regiment are being sent to Belgium after its main airport at Zaventem was forced to close temporarily after drones were seen nearby, and UAVs were also spotted at military bases.

The overflights have been blamed by some on Russia, which has used drones extensively in its invasion of Ukraine, although the Kremlin has denied any involvement.