The UK government is preparing to grant soldiers and Ministry of Defence police new legal powers to shoot down unidentified drones that threaten military bases, Defence Secretary John Healey is expected to announce on Monday, October 20, 2025. The authority would be introduced through the forthcoming Armed Forces Bill and would give personnel a “kinetic option” in addition to existing electronic counter-measures.
Defence officials say the change responds to a rise in unauthorised drone incursions and wider concerns about hostile activity in Europe, including a surge of Russian drone operations across the continent. Under current practice the military mainly relies on tracking and signal-disruption systems; the new rules would formalise when troops may use force against a drone judged to pose an imminent threat.
Ministers are also reported to be considering whether similar powers should later be extended to other sensitive sites such as major airports. The proposals have prompted debate over the balance between public safety, aviation regulation and the rules of engagement for UK forces.
