Report: UK to Authorize Troops to Shoot Down Drones Threatening Military Sites

British soldiers are expected to receive expanded authority to shoot down drones posing a threat to UK military bases, Reuters reported.

The policy aims to strengthen security around key defense installations amid growing concerns about potential Russian threats.

Currently, UK military personnel are instructed to use non-lethal methods such as diverting drones or disrupting their GPS signals with counter-drone technology.

Lethal action is permitted only in exceptional cases.

Under the new plan, troops and the Ministry of Defence Police would gain a formal “kinetic option” to shoot down drones that endanger sensitive military sites.

For now, the expanded measure will apply only to defense sites, though the government has not ruled out extending it to other key locations such as airports, The Telegraph reported.

According to Reuters, further details are expected during British Defence Secretary John Healey’s upcoming address.

Airspace Security

European and NATO members are tightening airspace security amid a rise in drone incursions linked to Russia.

The concern follows several recent incidents, including Russian drones entering Polish and Estonian airspaces last month.

Earlier in October, the UK said two Royal Air Force aircraft joined US and NATO forces for a 12-hour patrol mission along Russia’s border, as part of broader efforts to monitor and deter airspace violations.

Meanwhile, other NATO members have introduced measures allowing their forces to shoot down hostile or unidentified drones.

In September, Lithuania proposed amendments to its military regulations to give the armed forces greater flexibility in countering such threats.