French Navy Fires on Five Unidentified Drones Over Nuclear Submarine Base in Brest
Share
On the evening of 4 December, French naval forces opened fire on five unidentified drones that breached restricted airspace above the Île Longue strategic submarine base near Brest. The incident occurred shortly after 19:30 local time, according to an official statement from the Gendarmerie maritime.
Île Longue is the primary homeport for France’s four Triomphant-class nuclear-powered ballistic-missile submarines, equipped with M51.3 intercontinental ballistic missiles, as well as the new-generation Suffren-class attack submarines. Together, these vessels constitute the sea-based component of France’s nuclear deterrent.
The drones were detected by radar and electronic surveillance systems, prompting the base’s dedicated naval artillery battalion to engage with live fire in order to neutralise the intrusion. Counter-drone operations and searches for the operators are still underway, while security has been significantly reinforced around the facility, which is protected 24/7 by approximately 120 personnel.
French authorities have not confirmed whether all five drones were destroyed, but stressed that the incident caused no disruption to the base’s operational readiness.
The Brest event is the latest in a series of mysterious drone incursions over sensitive military sites across Europe, with similar violations recently reported above bases in Germany, Belgium, and the United Kingdom.
You must log in to post a comment.