Media reports: Drones spotted flying above French strategic nuclear submarine base

PARIS Multiple unidentified drones were spotted flying above the Ile Longue naval base in France, which hosts the nations fleet of strategic nuclear missile submarines, according to reports from the gendarmerie police via Agence France-Presse.

On Thursday at approximately 7:30 p.m. local time, authorities identified five drones through technical detection methods. Military personnel responsible for securing the base reportedly engaged in anti-drone measures several times. Daily Liberation reported that the drones were eventually neutralized, usually through electronic jamming techniques.

The military prosecutors office in Rennes has launched an official investigation into the incident, citing information from the maritime prefecture of the Atlantic. The drones appeared to be small and unarmed, posing no immediate threat to critical infrastructure, according to Frigate Capt. Guillaume Le Rasle, a spokesperson for the maritime prefect.

This incident follows a previous drone sighting over the Crozon peninsula on the night of November 1718, though that flight did not enter the restricted military area. Drone incursions over European military sites have been reported in other countries as well, including Denmark, the Netherlands, and Belgium.

France is the only European Union nation with nuclear capabilities and, alongside the United Kingdom, one of the two NATO members in Europe maintaining its own nuclear arsenal. Ile Longue hosts four Le Triomphant-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, forming the seaborne component of Frances nuclear deterrent strategy. French policy ensures that at least one nuclear-armed submarine is continuously on patrol.

In addition to submarines, Frances airborne nuclear deterrent includes Rafale fighter jets equipped with nuclear-tipped cruise missiles. The French Armed Forces Ministry recently introduced an upgraded M51 submarine-launched ballistic missile with enhanced range, precision, and ability to overcome enemy defenses.

Author: Chloe Ramirez