Military Investigation Launched After Drone Overflights at Île Longue Nuclear Submarine Base

A military judicial investigation has been initiated following the detection of multiple drones flying over the Île Longue nuclear submarine base in Finistère, a key site housing France's four nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines. On Thursday evening, around 7:30 PM, five small, unarmed drones were spotted above the base near Brest harbor, prompting an immediate anti-drone response by the marine infantry battalion guarding the area. According to Captain Guillaume Le Rasle, spokesperson for the Atlantic maritime prefect, the drones were considered "out of military context" and neutralized using standard jamming techniques.

The base is heavily secured with 120 maritime gendarmes working alongside marine infantry to protect this critical site that conducts maintenance on France’s nuclear submarines, with at least one submarine always deployed at sea to maintain deterrence. Drone incursions in this restricted airspace are rare but not unprecedented; authorities recall a similar drone sighting over the Crozon peninsula on November 17-18, which did not involve military airspace violations.

This military prosecutor-led probe will focus on identifying the drone pilots and uncovering the purpose behind these overflights, amid a recent spike in drone activity over sensitive sites, including military installations across France and Northern Europe. In recent months, incidents such as nineteen Russian drones entering Polish airspace have heightened regional security awareness. Investigators are expected to determine whether these recent drone flights were due to recreational use, activism, espionage, or pilot error.

The Île Longue base plays a pivotal role in France’s nuclear deterrent, making any unauthorized drone activity a serious security concern. As investigations continue, heightened vigilance remains in place at this strategic location.