Troops will be given new powers to shoot down drones threatening UK military bases, John Healey will announce on Monday.

The Octopus interceptor drone was designed to bring down Russian Shahed-type attack drones, and it could become a part of Europe's emerging defenses.

As Russia’s drone war creeps closer to Western Europe, the UK is arming itself with new powers to shoot down unidentified UAVs over military sites. A drone defence expert tells LBC it’s a vital, overdue shift: fighting drones with agility and realism,

British military drone activity was tracked operating from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus in October, according to flight data and statements from activist groups. Royal Air Force drones were reported to have flown from Akrotiri on October 15,

British troops will be given new powers to shoot down drones threatening UK military bases, the Telegraph reported on Sunday, citing an upcoming announcement on Monday by British defence minister John Healey.

RAF Mildenhall is just one of the sites which saw mystery drones this year (Picture: PA) Unidentified drones flying near British military bases will be shot down under new plans set to be unveiled by Defence Secretary John Healey.

Belgium's defense minister said that more counter-uncrewed aerial systems "are urgently needed" after three drones spied on the Kleine-Brogel base.

At least 400 drone units are using the “Army of Drones Bonus System”, which killed or wounded 18,000 Russian soldiers in September, the newspaper reported. This was double the number from last October, after Ukraine’s government doubled the rewards for killing Russian infantry from six to 12 points.