Overview

• Defence Secretary John Healey is expected to outline the measure today, with the authority to be created through the Armed Forces Bill.
• The powers would initially cover only military locations, with officials not ruling out future consideration for sites such as airports.
• Current practice prioritizes jamming and diversion, and the proposal would add a formal kinetic option for soldiers and Ministry of Defence Police.
• Ministry of Defence Police data recorded 263 drone-related activations and incidents in 2024, underscoring a persistent domestic challenge.
• Reports cite recent sightings over four UK bases used by US forces and a surge of drone and airspace incursions across Europe, which officials link to Russian activity without public proof; requests for official comment received no immediate response.