French nuclear submarine base targeted by drone attacks

The French Navy engaged in defensive actions against unidentified drones that entered restricted airspace above a top-secret nuclear submarine base. On Thursday evening, five unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were detected near the le Longue base, located adjacent to Brest harbor in Brittany, authorities confirmed.

According to reports, the naval forces carried out anti-drone measures, though it remains unclear whether any of the UAVs were successfully neutralized. The base, crucial to France's nuclear deterrence strategy, is safeguarded by 120 maritime gendarmes and marine riflemen, and accommodates four nuclear-powered submarines, with at least one regularly deployed at sea.

Clear weather and the presence of a supermoon may have enhanced the drones' ability to observe sensitive areas of the facility. While the origin of the drones has not been officially disclosed, incidents of UAVs entering restricted airspace over military sites have been on the rise across northern Europe, possibly linked to hybrid warfare operations by Russia targeting countries supporting Ukraine.

Commander Guillaume Le Rasle, spokesperson for Frances Atlantic Maritime Prefecture, stated that critical infrastructure remained secure, but an investigation has been launched. The conditions above Brest harbor on Thursday night made parts of the base potentially visible.

This incident follows a prior drone sighting near the same facility on November 17, which prompted an investigation with no foreign involvement confirmed. Separately, five unidentified military drones were reported approaching the expected landing site of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys plane in Dublin, although the aircraft landed slightly ahead of schedule. Intelligence sources suggest Russian security services are likely responsible.

European nations have heightened vigilance following Russian drone incursions into Poland, Romania, and Moldova, as well as disruptions to airport operations in cities including Brussels, Copenhagen, and Berlin. Russia has also been linked to offshore drone launches, fighter jet incursions into NATO airspace, GPS interference, and attacks on military supply routes to Ukraine.

On Thursday, Germany deployed five fighter jets and 150 personnel to the Polish border town of Malbork to bolster airspace security. German Air Chief Holger Neumann described the operation as a clear message of support for Poland and NATO, following a Russian drone strike over Polish territory. This marks the first known instance of NATO forces firing in response during Russia's ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Author: Ethan Caldwell