A British man offered to set fire to drone factories in the UK to show his 'allegiance' to Russia, a court heard today.Joshua Cammidge is accused of helping Moscow's notorious GRU military intelligence services by preparing to sabotage a drone factory near his home in Swindon where weaponry for the war in Ukraine was being manufactured.The 31-year-old allegedly researched four drone manufacturing sites in Swindon and a Wifi jamming device as part of an apparent sabotage plot.He is also accused of carrying out reconnaissance at the sites to demonstrate his 'allegiance to Russia'.Westminster Magistrates' Court heard Cammidge received instructions from an individual linked to the GRU Volunteer Corps, a group controlled by Russia's intelligence services.The charges state that, between March 27 and September 5 this year, Cammidge provided Google Maps screenshots showing the addresses of four drone manufacturing sites in Swindon and gave details about how one factory was operating.Police recovered dozens of messages with a 'mate' who he mistakenly believed had been killed fighting in Russia against Ukraine, it was said.Prosecutor Warren Stanier claimed he had been messaging Aiden Minnis, a fellow Briton fighting for Vladimir Putin's forces in Ukraine. Joshua Cammidge, 31, has been accused of preparing to sabotage a drone factory in the UK on behalf of Russia's intelligence services. He was remanded in custody on ThursdayBetween August 28 and September 3 the pair exchanged 58 messages on Telegram, it was said.Mr Stanier told the court: 'Its essence was the location of factories in the UK and manufacture of drones and sabotage of those factories.'The defendant supplied Google Maps [images] and circled around screenshots and addresses of factories within Swindon where he lived.'One of the factories was very close to his home address. He was asked if he knew anyone who was willing to torch property for money.'The defendant said he would do it himself. It became clear that the defendant would do it himself, but did not want any money and he was doing this because of his allegiance to Russia.'Mr Stanier added: 'He wanted to do something for Russia. He wanted it to be meaningful, he wanted to do something to make a difference.'Cammidge is alleged to have confided in an ex-partner and a work colleague about 'espionage' and 'spying'.Mr Stanier added: 'In those conversations, he made it clear he was doing things because he is being requested to by the Russian intelligence services'. Cammidge has been charged under the National Security Act with assisting a foreign intelligence service and preparing an act of sabotageCammidge has been charged with assisting a foreign intelligence service and intending to commit or engage in conduct to prepare an act of sabotage.He did not enter a plea during the hearing, but Mr Stanier said the charges were 'strenuously denied'.Dressed in a grey prison-issue tracksuit, the defendant stared at the floor as details of the charges were read out.He was arrested by Counter Terrorism Policing London officers, supported by officers from Wiltshire Police, at an address in Swindon on Friday last week.In July, the Government formally designated the GRU Volunteer Corps under the National Security (State Threats) Act 2026, making it a criminal offence to express support for the group.A GRU squad is believed to be behind the attempted murder of former spy Sergei Skripal in Salisbury.Following Cammidge's arrest, Security Minister Dan Jarvis praised police for taking action against a 'potential threat' to the UK .Mr Jarvis said: 'The police have taken action against a potential threat, and I thank them for the vital work they do every day to keep us safe. Cammidge did not enter a plea during a hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday and the case was sent to the Old Bailey for a hearing on September 25 (stock)'Whilst it would be inappropriate to comment further on the specifics of this case, I know people will be concerned about recent incidents across Europe, intended to sow fear, create disruption and undermine support for Ukraine. 'They will not succeed. We'll continue to take whatever action is necessary to defend against the range of threats we face from Russia. 'Anyone attempting to undermine our security will feel the full force of the law.'Today, Cammidge was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing at the Old Bailey on September 25.