Defence secretary will announce measures to combat threat of unmanned aircraft after incursions in Europe
Soldiers are to be given new powers to shoot down unidentified drones believed to be threatening UK military bases in response to a recent spate of incursions and sightings in Europe.
John Healey, the defence secretary, will announce the measure at a speech in the City of London on Monday, in which he will also warn of an increased level of Russian drone attacks into Ukraine and eastern Europe.
At present, drones can be neutralised electronically through signal or GPS jamming, but the plan is to give extra powers to use force, which may be extended to Heathrow, Gatwick and other airports.
“We are developing new powers – to be put into law through our armed forces bill – to shoot down unidentified drones over UK military sites,” Healey is expected to say at an event hosted by the lord mayor of London.
