Drones Prompt Security Response at French Nuclear Submarine Base
France’s Ministry of the Armed Forces launched an investigation following the detection of five unidentified drones over Île Longue naval base on December 4, 2025, at approximately 19:30 local time. Located in the Bay of Brest in western France, Île Longue serves as the operational home port for the French Navy’s ballistic-missile submarine fleet and is among the most heavily secured military installations in the country. Upon detection of the aircraft, security personnel immediately activated counter-drone procedures. Fusiliers marins stationed at the base engaged the drones with gunfire as part of the standard response protocol. A subsequent search operation was conducted to locate debris or remnants, though French authorities have not confirmed whether any drones were successfully neutralized.