France implements measures against drones following incident at nuclear submarine base

The French armed forces activated anti-drone defenses following the detection of five unmanned aerial vehicles above a secure facility that houses the nation's nuclear ballistic submarines, sources reported to AFP on Friday.

Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin commended the personnel stationed at the Ile Longue submarine base, located on a peninsula off Brittany in northwestern France, for successfully "intercepting" the drones.

Unexplained drone activity over airports and critical military or industrial sites has caused concern across Europe in recent months. Analysts warn that these incidents may form part of hybrid warfare tactics, potentially linked to Russia's ongoing actions in Ukraine.

The source indicated that the drones were observed around 1830 GMT on Thursday. In response, the marine battalion responsible for protecting the base initiated an anti-drone and search operation. Officials did not disclose whether firearms or electronic jamming devices were used during the interception.

Ile Longue hosts France's four nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines: Le Triomphant, Le Temeraire, Le Vigilant, and Le Terrible. At least one submarine is continuously at sea to maintain the country's nuclear deterrence capability.

The military prosecutors office in Rennes is set to launch a judicial inquiry into Thursday's incident, the Atlantic Maritime Prefecture confirmed.

Guillaume Le Rasle, a spokesperson for the maritime prefecture, stated that "sensitive infrastructure was not threatened" and noted that the drones were likely intended to cause public concern. He emphasized that the origin of the drones remains unknown.

Vautrin reiterated that any overflight of military installations is illegal in France. Speaking to TF1, she praised the bases personnel for their response, adding that "a complaint has been filed, and the ongoing investigation will clarify the purpose of this intrusion."

Countering droneswhether by detection, jamming, or neutralizationis a complex and risky operation. While suspicions of Russian involvement exist, proving such links is challenging.

France, alongside the United Kingdom, is one of the few European nations with nuclear capabilities. The country has maintained a sea-based nuclear deterrent since 1971. Its ballistic missile submarines are armed with M51 strategic missiles equipped with multiple nuclear warheads.

The Ile Longue base employs approximately 2,000 staff, including 1,500 civilians maintaining the submarines, and is secured by 120 maritime police officers working alongside marines. Drone flights are prohibited over the Crozon peninsula, where Ile Longue is situated, as well as large parts of Brest harbor, but such violations are not uncommon.

Le Rasle noted previous incidents, including a drone sighting over the Crozon peninsula in November that did not threaten military installations. Recent months have also seen drone activity over a police station and a train transporting tanks in Mulhouse, near the German border, and in Dublin, coinciding with the arrival of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Author: Aiden Foster