# UK military and nuclear site drone security incidents

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/uk-military-drone-security-incidents
> Updated: 2026-09-26T16:56:58.000Z. Sources: 19. Developments: 3.

British military sites have experienced a significant rise in drone-related security incidents. Ministry of Defence data shows 340 incidents in the 12 months leading up to August 2026, compared to 250 in 2025 and 126 in 2024.

While the Ministry of Defence has not officially named the responsible parties, officials noted that the increase partly reflects improved detection and reporting following the establishment of restricted airspace over 44 strategic sites in February. Former Defence Minister Tobias Ellwood suggested that Russia and Iran are “100 per cent” responsible, warning that the military is being viewed “as a target”.

New data reveals a specific surge in activity near nuclear assets. Between January and August 2026, 100 drone sightings involving nuclear sites or nuclear-related assets, such as submarines, were logged, averaging approximately three incidents per week. This figure exceeds the total number of such incidents recorded in both 2024 and 2025. Security specialists, including Professor Anthony Glees, have suggested this surge may be linked to intelligence gathering by hostile actors, potentially as preparation for future conflict.

In response, the UK has increased spending on counter-drone technology and expanded the powers of military personnel to neutralize unauthorized drones. This includes a contract with US-based ATI Systems to install a rapid-deployment air raid warning system at the RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus to enhance protection for the base and the local community.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-26: UK reports surge in drone sightings over nuclear and military sites

The UK has reported 100 drone sightings over nuclear facilities and military assets between January and August, a sharp increase that suggests potential hostile intelligence gathering.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-reports-surge-in-drone-sightings-over-nuclear-and-military-sites

### 2026-09-21: United Kingdom increases military security amid drone surge

The UK reports a surge in drone incidents near military bases, reaching 340 cases by August 2026, while deploying a new air raid warning system at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus to enhance security.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/united-kingdom-increases-military-security-amid-drone-surge

### 2026-09-18: UK military sites log 340 drone incidents in one year

UK military sites logged 340 drone security incidents in the year to August 2026, a sharp rise from previous years. Officials cite improved detection, while critics point to Russian and Iranian hybrid threats.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-military-sites-face-340-drone-incursions-in-one-year

---
Cite as: UK military and nuclear site drone security incidents. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/uk-military-drone-security-incidents