British troops to get powers to shoot down drones near military bases

Defence secretary will announce measures to combat threat of unmanned aircraft after incursions in Europe

Soldiers are to be given new powers to shoot down unidentified drones believed to be threatening UK military bases in response to a recent spate of incursions and sightings in Europe.

John Healey, the defence secretary, will announce the measure at a speech in the City of London on Monday, in which he will also warn of an increased level of Russian drone attacks into Ukraine and eastern Europe.