France Opens Fire on Drones Over Nuclear Submarine Base

In France, marines opened fire on drones that flew over the Ile Long naval base in the Finistère department in the evening.

It is at this base that nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SNLEs) are deployed, which form the basis of the naval component of France’s nuclear deterrent, Le Figaro reported, citing AFP.

According to the gendarmerie, five drones were technically detected on Thursday at about 19:30 over the territory of the base adjacent to the port of Brest.

After the targets were detected, an anti-drone system and a surveillance system were immediately put into operation.

The marine battalion guarding the facility fired several shots at the UAVs in an attempt to stop them from flying over the restricted area.

The Atlantic Maritime Prefecture announced the launch of an official investigation into the incident.

The spokesperson for the maritime prefecture, frigate captain Guillaume Le Raslet, said that “sensitive infrastructure was not in danger.”

The origin of the drones has not yet been established, and, according to the prefecture, “it is too early to draw conclusions” about their operators.

At the same time, it is noted that such flights may be aimed at destabilizing and psychologically pressuring the population.

Drone flights in the area are not uncommon: on the night of November 17-18, a drone was already recorded flying over the Crozon Peninsula, which includes Il Long.

The Il Long base is guarded by 120 marine gendarmes and marine riflemen, and the facility provides maintenance for four SSBNs, at least one of which is constantly at sea to maintain nuclear deterrence.

Against this backdrop, the number of incidents involving drones flying over military and critical facilities has increased in Northern Europe in recent months, and the leadership of a number of countries has linked these actions to possible Russian activity.

Recently, unknown drones violated the no-fly zone during the landing of the Ukrainian president’s plane in Ireland.