Ethical Hacking News
Britain is preparing for a future where drones are a legitimate threat to national security. The UK's Armed Forces Bill grants military personnel the power to neutralize drones near bases using radio frequency jammers, a move that aims to protect sensitive installations and operations from unwanted drone activity.
The UK is introducing measures to grant defense personnel authority to neutralize drones threatening military bases. Drones have been reported near sensitive UK military sites at an increasing rate, with over 266 incidents recorded in 2025. The new authority will be wielded through radio frequency jammers, considered a safer alternative to traditional gunfire. The Ministry of Defence has successfully trialed Radio Frequency Directed Energy Weapon technology and plans to integrate it into defense systems. Critics have raised concerns about the potential risks associated with granting defense personnel authority over drone neutralization. The UK is investing in counter-drone technology, including restricted airspace, guard drones, CCTV, and integrated threat monitoring. The new measures are expected to have far-reaching implications for the UK defense sector and beyond.
The United Kingdom's defense personnel are set to be granted the authority to neutralize drones threatening military bases under measures being introduced in the Armed Forces Bill, currently making its way through Parliament. This development comes amidst a significant increase in reported sightings of unmanned aerial intruders near sensitive UK military sites.
According to recent data, reported drone sightings more than doubled in 2025 alone, with 266 incidents recorded, up from 126 in 2024. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) attributes this surge in incidents to the growing threat posed by drones, which have been used in various malicious activities, including espionage and terrorism.
The current laws governing drone activity in the UK only allow police and certain other agencies to act against drones for preventing crime. However, with the introduction of the Armed Forces Bill, defense personnel will be empowered to take out any unmanned platforms deemed threatening, including aerial, land, and underwater drones.
This new authority is expected to be wielded through the use of radio frequency jammers, which can disrupt a drone's connection with its human controllers. This method of neutralization is considered a safer alternative to traditional gunfire, as it minimizes the risk of collateral damage and bystander injury.
The MoD has demonstrated its capabilities in this area with recent successful trials of Radio Frequency Directed Energy Weapon (RF DEW) technology. The RF DEW uses high-energy radio waves to fry the electronics inside drones, effectively rendering them inoperable. This technology is set to be integrated into various defense systems, including armored vehicles.
The introduction of the Armed Forces Bill has been welcomed by the Ministry of Defence, with Defense Secretary John Healey MP stating that it will give the military greater powers to protect their sites and operations. However, critics have raised concerns about the potential risks associated with granting defense personnel authority over drone neutralization.
The MoD has acknowledged these concerns but maintains that the new measures are necessary to address the growing threat posed by drones. The agency has also highlighted its commitment to investing in counter-drone technology, with significant funding allocated for this purpose.
Recent months have seen restricted airspace introduced at 40 defense sites, new guard drones deployed, and investment in advanced CCTV and integrated threat monitoring. These measures aim to enhance security at sensitive military installations and prevent unauthorized drone activity.
In addition to these efforts, the MoD has also demonstrated its ability to respond quickly to drone threats. For example, French marines successfully used radio frequency jammers to neutralize five unidentified drones that flew over a strategic nuclear submarine facility at Île Longue, near Brest. While no drones were shot down in this instance, it highlights the military's preparedness to take action against unmanned aerial threats.
The introduction of the Armed Forces Bill is expected to have far-reaching implications for the UK defense sector and beyond. As drone technology continues to evolve and become more widespread, nations will need to adapt their strategies to address this growing threat. The UK's decision to grant its defense personnel authority over drone neutralization may serve as a model for other countries seeking to enhance their counter-drone capabilities.
In conclusion, the introduction of the Armed Forces Bill marks an important shift in the UK's approach to drone security. With significant investment in counter-drone technology and a new authority being granted to defense personnel, the country is taking a proactive stance against the growing threat posed by unmanned aerial intruders.
Related Information:
https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/Britain-Prepares-for-Drone-Warfare-Military-to-Regain-Authority-Over-Unmanned-Threats-ehn.shtml
https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2026/02/03/armed_forces_bill_drones/
https://www.theregister.com/2026/02/03/armed_forces_bill_drones/
https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/british-forces-to-get-new-anti-drone-powers/
Published: Tue Feb 3 13:29:37 2026 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
