The French military reported that jammers were deployed as several suspected drones were detected flying over a high-security base housing nuclear ballistic submarines. This incident occurred on Thursday evening at the Ile Longue base, located off the Brittany coast in northwestern France. Prosecutors have initiated an investigation, as this event marks another occurrence in a troubling trend of mysterious drone flights observed over sensitive military and industrial sites across Europe.
With three and a half years having passed since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, there is an increasing apprehension that these disruptions may be indicative of hybrid warfare tactics employed by Moscow against the European Union, which has shown support for Kyiv. Prosecutor Frederic Teillet stated that, as of now, no connection to foreign interference has been determined. The investigation aims to ascertain both the nature and quantity of the suspected drones.
According to sources close to the matter, five drones were detected above the base around 1830 GMT. Following the sighting, an anti-drone and search operation commenced, during which the marine battalion stationed at the base activated their measures. Clarifying the actions taken, Teillet noted that “the marines fired a jammer, not a firearm,” emphasizing the controlled response to the potential threat.
The Ile Longue base is a critical component of France’s nuclear deterrent strategy, housing four ballistic missile submarines: Le Triomphant, Le Temeraire, Le Vigilant, and Le Terrible. At least one submarine is continuously patrolling at sea to maintain France’s nuclear deterrence capability.
While spokesman Guillaume Le Rasle for the maritime prefecture confirmed that sensitive infrastructure was not at risk during the incident, he also indicated that the intent behind the drone flights appears to be creating unease among the public. Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin emphasized the illegality of military base overflights in France, commending the troops’ rapid response. She noted that a formal complaint has been filed and that the ongoing investigation will clarify the situation regarding the drone incident.
France, alongside the United Kingdom, remains one of the only European nations apart from Russia with nuclear capabilities. Since 1971, the country has operated a sea-based nuclear deterrent, with its submarines equipped with M51 strategic missiles that can carry multiple nuclear warheads.
The Ile Longue base is not only a strategic military site; it also employs approximately 2,000 personnel, including 1,500 civilians, and is secured by 120 maritime police officers, working alongside marine forces. Despite the area being designated as a no-fly zone for drones to protect military assets, incidents of unauthorized drone flights in the vicinity have occurred in the past, according to Le Rasle.
