French authorities took quick action after spotting five unauthorised drones flying over a highly sensitive military base. The base stores France’s nuclear ballistic submarines and sits in north-western France.
According to AFP, the facility is located on the Ile Longue peninsula, just off the coast of Brittany. French forces use this location to house the country’s four nuclear ballistic submarines. Meanwhile, the Atlantic Maritime Prefecture remains responsible for guarding the surrounding coastal zone.
Soon after the sighting, the prefecture’s spokesperson, Guillaume Le Rasle, confirmed that the drones did not directly threaten the site. Instead, officials believe the flight was “intended to alarm the public.”
Military launches immediate counter-drone response
Following the sighting, the French military acted without delay. As reported by Le Monde, authorities began a full counter-drone and search operation. At the same time, the marine rifle battalion that protects the base opened fire on the drones.
However, officials have not stated whether their response managed to take down any of the devices. Nonetheless, the incident raised serious security concerns because of the base’s strategic importance.
Similar drone activity earlier detected in Ireland
In a related incident just days earlier, unidentified drones appeared over Ireland’s west coast. These drones reportedly crossed the flight path of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy moments after his aircraft passed through the area toward Dublin Airport.
At the same time, four to five drones circled the Irish navy ship LÉ William Butler Yeats. The vessel had been secretly positioned as part of security arrangements for Zelenskyy’s visit. Observers said the drones hovered openly, as if “they wanted to be seen.”
Pattern of airspace violations spreads across Europe
These events now form part of a wider pattern of drone intrusions across Europe. Since September 10, similar activities have repeatedly occurred. In one major case, 19 drones crossed into Poland from Belarusian airspace.
Because of this, several European nations have pointed fingers at Russia. However, the Kremlin has mostly denied any involvement in the violations.
As a result, countries across Europe are increasing surveillance and strengthening defences around critical military and government sites.