Marines in France, a key NATO member state, were forced to open fire at drones after the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) were spotted flying over a military base. The incident, which happened at Île Longue, saw troops launch anti-drone strikes after the UAV was seen close by.

The base houses French nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), close to Brest harbour. A counter-drone and search operation has been launched to determine any ongoing threat and identify the source of the drones, which were seen close to the base shortly after 7.30pm. Around 120 soldiers are understood to operate at the base, with the evening’s full moon providing ideal conditions for UAVs to be identified and targeted.

The use of drones is very often prohibited over and close to important military sites, with security stepped up across Europe following several high-profile drone incursions in recent months.

Last month, Britain deployed anti-drone specialists to Belgium after incursions on the country’s airspace.

The move came after drones were spotted above Belgian airports and military bases in early November, following a string of similar sightings over airports in Germany, Denmark, Norway and Sweden.

Some officials have blamed Russia for drone overflights in the countries’ airspaces, but the Kremlin has denied any involvement.

Defence Secretary John Healey also announced that UK troops have been sent to Bosnia and Herzegovina to train alongside the country’s armed forces, as part of efforts to improve work with NATO and boost security across the Western Balkans.

Drones have been spotted at UK military bases nearly 200 times since the start of the year, official figures show.

The 187 sightings will fuel ongoing concerns over incursions by unmanned aerial vehicles at sensitive sites.

Healey recently announced new powers would be introduced to allow the military to shoot down devices near its installations as he pledged to “do what’s needed to defend the British people”.

The number of airborne infractions at defence establishments was revealed in response to a parliamentary written question by former Plaid Cymru leader Lord Wigley, who has described the situation as “concerning”.

Defence minister Lord Coaker said: “Since January 1, 2025, there have been a total of 187 drone sightings in the vicinity of military establishments in the UK.

“We will not comment on the sensitivity of establishments or our specific security arrangements in relation to identifying and capturing drones. However, we can assure you that we take the safety and security of our personnel, assets, and operations extremely seriously.

“We maintain multi-layered security measures, including counter-drone capabilities which can identify and facilitate the capture of drones.”

Lord Wigley told the PA news agency: “It is concerning that there have been 187 drone sightings in the vicinity of military establishments across the UK since the beginning of this year alone.

“This is particularly troubling given the recent incursions reported in Denmark, Poland, and Romania.

“While I welcome the Government’s assurances and their ongoing efforts to identify and intercept these drones, the public deserves to have full confidence that ministers are doing everything possible to protect people and safeguard our national security.”

Last year, a number of unidentified devices were spotted on multiple occasions over three airbases used by US forces in the UK: RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall, in Suffolk; and RAF Feltwell, in Norfolk; while a device came within 250 metres of the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth during a visit to Hamburg.