Chinese agents use drones to spy on UK nuclear bases, defence chiefs warn

The Sunday People uncovered the details under a Freedom of Information request which revealed 18 drone sightings at military sights in just two years - between 2019 and 2021

Chinese agents are using drones to spy on our nuclear bases, defence chiefs warn.

They believe Beijing spooks are behind 18 drone sightings above military sites and power stations in just two years.

The disclosure follows warnings by intelligence chiefs that China is intent on stealing our most sensitive secrets.

The Sunday People uncovered details of the drone activity under Freedom of Information laws. And Lieutenant Colonel Philip Ingram, a former intelligence officer, told us: “The Chinese have a very mature and sophisticated espionage programme running throughout the UK.

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“Business, academic research, leading manufacturers, supply chains, politicians, police, the military and other civil servants and more are all targets. Many will have been compromised, often without realising what has happened.”

One of the sites was the nuclear sub base in Faslane, Scotland – the most sensitive military establishment in the UK. It is home to Trident submarines and nuclear weapons are stored at the Royal Naval Armament Depot on the same base.

The Atomic Weapons Establishment in Aldermaston, Berks, where nuclear warheads are designed and made, is also said to have been targeted.

All nuclear weapons sites and power stations are guarded by armed MoD Police officers who are allowed to shoot to kill if the bases come under attack.

The drone sightings happened between 2019 and 2021 but details of the military bases were withheld for defence and national security reasons.

A report from one nuclear site said: “Security personnel reported a drone being flown close to a facility”.

Another said: “Drone landed in area and secured by security personnel.”

Yet another said: “Officer reported seeing a drone flying. No drone located upon further search.”

The revelation follows the disclosure earlier this year that Chinese spying in the UK was now MI5’s top priority.

One intelligence source said: “China is intent on stealing British secrets. There is a network of Chinese spies in the UK and they will use any means necessary to steal classified information.

“We know they have been targeting very sensitive establishments such as military bases and nuclear power stations by using drones.”

Last year it emerged that hundreds of serving and former members of the UK’s intelligence services face being targeted by Chinese agents.

The threat has led to a warning to all serving and former members of the intelligence agencies.

A letter sent by MI6 security chiefs says that Chinese spies are now “aggressively” targeting British spooks and their families.

The threat posed by China comes after the head of MI6 warned that China was conducting “large scale espionage operations against the UK and our allies”.

Sources said that the Chinese Foreign Intelligence Service is using tactics such as offers of sex, theft and cyber-crime.

The Ministry of Defence said: “We have robust security measures in place at all defence sites, including nuclear bases, to respond to all such incidents.

“While we cannot comment on specific security arrangements or procedures, we continue to invest in a range of measures to tackle future threats, including counter-drone technology.”

MP took Beijing cash

In January, MI5 warned that an alleged Chinese agent had infiltrated Parliament to interfere in UK politics. It said Christine Ching Kui Lee “established links” with MPs for the Chinese Communist Party then gave donations to politicians.

One MP funded by Ms Lee was Labour’s Barry Gardiner, who got £420,000 in five years.

He said he had always made the security services aware of the donations.

Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey got a £5,000 donation while Energy Secretary – but he said it was accepted by his local association.