New figures released to Parliament show a clear upward trend in detected break-ins at several UK military sites, prompting assurances from ministers that security across the Defence estate is being tightened after years of what they describe as under-investment.
Responding to multiple written questions from James MacCleary and James Cartlidge, Defence Minister Al Carns released annual data for RAF, Royal Navy and Army bases, alongside updates on the ongoing security review triggered by the June breach at RAF Brize Norton.
- For the RAF, Carns confirmed eight detected break-ins in 2025, up from six in 2024, five in 2023 and three in 2022.
- The Army saw five incidents in 2022, five in 2023, none recorded in 2024 and three in 2025.
- Royal Navy bases recorded almost no activity across the period, with only a single incident in 2023.
Carns said the figures reflect cases where an incident was recorded as trespass or an intruder with evidence of forced entry, and linked the recent rise to stronger reporting and updated guidance. He argued that security is being reinforced across the estate, describing the department’s current effort as “decisive action to strengthen security … reversing years of under-investment and focusing our resources on our highest priority sites.”
The Government is deploying in-year funding for physical upgrades, increasing patrol visibility, and installing new systems such as the Immediate Threat Mitigation Solution, which Carns described as advanced surveillance technology. Digital modernisation worth £20 million is underway, alongside recruitment drives to expand policing and guarding capacity. He also pointed to “enhanced vigilance, updated guidance, and improved reporting” as factors making it easier for personnel and contractors to raise concerns.
On trespass at training areas, Carns set out steps ranging from more patrols to CCTV maintenance, as well as the Respect the Range public-safety campaign intended to deter recreational access to live-fire sites.
MacCleary and Cartlidge also pressed for updates on the security review ordered after the Brize Norton breach. Carns said all military sites have now been assessed and prioritised, and that a rolling programme of site-specific reviews is underway. Ministers, he said, are receiving frequent updates. He added that the review is progressing “at pace” and highlighted additional measures being piloted, including restricted airspace over key locations and expanded use of remotely piloted aerial systems.
He reiterated the consistent line across the written answers: “Safeguarding the Defence estate remains a key priority,” and Defence will “use all available levers to take swift action wherever and whenever security is threatened.”
