London, February 2 (China News Service, reporter Ouyang Kaiyu) - The UK government announced on February 2 that as part of the new measures in the Armed Forces Bill, British military personnel will be granted new anti-drone powers to strengthen security at key military bases. This initiative comes against the backdrop of a doubling in the number of reported drone incidents around UK military bases in 2025 compared to 2024.

Official statistics show that there were 266 drone-related incidents near British military bases in 2025, compared with 126 in 2024. The new bill will authorize military personnel to directly deal with drones posing a threat to military installations without police assistance, covering not only aerial drones but also various threatening unmanned systems operating on the ground and underwater.

Previously, only UK police and specific agencies had the authority to intervene in drone activities for crime prevention purposes. The new measures will enable the British military to take direct responsibility for protecting the security of its own bases and related operations.

UK Secretary of State for Defence John Healey stated that the doubling of malicious drone incidents around military bases over the past year highlights the growing severity and complexity of the threat. The government is empowering the military with greater authority to shoot down threatening drones through legislation and increasing investment in anti-drone technologies to safeguard UK homeland security and overseas influence.