Drones targeting UK military sites have become a frequent occurrence, raising concerns about security threats from countries like Russia and Iran. According to data obtained through freedom of information laws, there were 340 reported security incidents involving drones near or at Ministry of Defence sites between 2025 and August 2026. This is more than double the number recorded in 2025 and significantly higher than the 126 incidents reported in 2024. Experts believe this increase may be due to a lack of readiness to deal with such threats, with Russia and Iran being identified as possible sources of the attacks. Former Conservative defence minister Tobias Ellwood criticized the UK government for being "asleep" to these threats, saying the rise in drone incidents shows that the British military is seen as a target. He claimed Russia and Iran are "100 per cent" responsible for many of the incidents and suggested that criminal groups in the UK may be supported by Russia. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that Moscow is planning hybrid attacks using drones or missiles to target NATO countries that support Ukraine. He added that there is a real risk of drones or other projectiles entering the territory of countries on NATO’s eastern flank, potentially causing damage. UK chief of the defence staff, Sir Richard Knighton, said the UK is facing the highest level of threat from Russia since the Cold War. Security minister Angela Eagle also raised concerns about Iran, noting that the UK has identified activities linked to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) that involve threats to life and intimidation on British soil. The Ministry of Defence explained that the increase in incidents could be due to better reporting, improved counter-drone detection technology, and increased awareness among military personnel. However, Ellwood disagreed, arguing that the numbers show the issue has been ignored for a long time. Minister for the Armed Forces, Louise Sandher-Jones, said the government is taking the threat of hostile drones seriously by investing in counter-drone systems and giving military personnel new powers to neutralize threats. She noted that the government has quadrupled its spending on anti-drone equipment since taking office, with £750 million allocated to counter-drone systems and the protection of the armed forces. Retired Brigadier Ben Barry acknowledged the significant investment in counter-drone technology but warned that resources must be divided between protecting overseas operations and UK bases. He noted that hostile activity from Russia and Iran has increased in recent years and warned that without a rapid increase in the defence budget, the government may struggle to meet its commitments.