Mysterious Drone Activity Over French Nuclear Submarine Base Sparks Investigation

French authorities are investigating illegal drone flights over the Île Longue base in Brittany, home to the country's nuclear-armed submarines. Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin confirmed an interception by military personnel but did not provide details about the methods used. The incident is part of a broader pattern of unauthorized drone activities in Europe.

French officials are currently probing the unauthorized overflight of drones over the Atlantic coast base where France's nuclear-armed submarines are stationed. The incident, reported by French media, involved several drones detected on Thursday night at the Île Longue base in Brittany. However, military authorities have not disclosed the specifics regarding the number or types of drones involved.

Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin verified that military troops at the base successfully intercepted the overflight. She did not elaborate on whether the interception involved firing shots, deploying electronic jamming, or other defensive measures. The perpetrators behind the drone activity remain unidentified at this time.

Minister Vautrin stated, "Any overflight of a military site is prohibited in our country," lauding the military personnel's actions at the base. The event is part of an increasing trend of unknown drone flights across Europe, with some instances leading to airport closures and disruptions in commercial air travel. Russia has been implicated in various airspace violations, particularly in Estonia and Poland.

(With inputs from agencies.)