France Investigates Suspected Drone Incursions Over Critical Nuclear Submarine Base on Atlantic Coast

French Prosecutors Probe Suspected Drone Activity Over Nuclear Submarine Base

French authorities have launched an investigation into reports of unauthorized drone flights above a vital nuclear submarine base located on the Atlantic coast. The incidents, which reportedly took place late Thursday evening and into early Friday morning, have raised national security concerns.

Overflights Reported at Strategic Ile Longue Base

Jean-Marie Blin, a military affairs prosecutor based in Rennes, confirmed the probe, stating that suspicious overflights were reported between approximately 7 p.m. Thursday and 1 a.m. Friday. Most sightings were concentrated during the initial hours. The targeted facility, the Ile Longue base in northwest France, is a highly sensitive strategic site, housing France's nuclear-powered submarines, each equipped with 16 ballistic missiles carrying multiple nuclear warheads.

While some press reports suggested gendarmes had opened fire on the suspected drones, Blin explicitly denied these claims. However, he confirmed that “precautionary measures” were indeed implemented by personnel on site. The reports of drone activity originated from various individuals, including gendarmes and military officers stationed at the base.

Verifying Sightings Amid Broader European Concerns

The immediate focus of the investigation is to meticulously verify the accuracy of these drone sightings. Prosecutor Blin acknowledged that while some reports could be “completely fanciful,” others are considered “much more serious,” underscoring the need for thorough validation.

These events occur against a backdrop of increasing disruption to European airspace by drones, often of unknown origin, over the past several months. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has previously characterized such incursions as a form of “hybrid warfare.” Russia consistently denies any accusations of its involvement in these incidents. The French investigation will aim to ascertain the veracity of the threats and, if confirmed, their potential implications for national security.