British soldiers will be given permission to shoot down drones threatening military bases. The idea is to allow troops to take quicker and more decisive action, the BBC reports.
Four British air bases used by US forces reported mysterious drone sightings in 2024. Drones have also violated European airspace several times in recent months.
The new powers will only apply to military sites, but could be extended to civilian sites such as airports.
Defense Secretary John Healey is expected to announce new powers soon allowing the military and police to shoot down drones that pose a threat to military sites in the UK.
Existing protocol requires soldiers to divert drones or disrupt their GPS signals using anti-drone equipment. Shooting down an unidentified drone is only permitted in exceptional circumstances.
Recent drone sightings in the European Union prompted a summit of leaders in Denmark earlier this month. Several EU member states backed plans to create a "drone wall" to quickly detect, track and destroy drones.