UK's arsenal of nuclear bombers will be protected by garden fence just 5 FEET tall – amid fury over Brize Norton breach
Britain's state-of-the-art warplanes across the country are being 'guarded' by flimsy wooden fences and even hedgerows in a huge security risk, according to a new investigation by the Telegraph.
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New F-35 bombers are nuclear-capable
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The jets will reportedly be protected by a 5ft-high fence that could be scaled by saboteurs
Credit: The Telegraph
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Other bases were also at risk with flimsy defences
Credit: The Telegraph
The outlet found that some of the RAF's most critical airbases could be waltzed into by determined activists or enemy agents with barely a barbed wire in sight.
In one shocking case, a 5ft chain-link fence was all that stood between infiltrators and a base tipped to host Britain's new nuclear-ready F-35 fighter jets.
At other bases, entire sections of the perimeter are protected by garden-style wooden fences, patchy CCTV, or even nothing at all – making them sitting ducks for intruders, according to findings.
It comes after huge security concerns were raised in recent weeks following a break in at RAF Brize Norton.
An estimated £7million of damage was inflicted at the Oxfordshire air base including military aircraft sprayed with paint during the raid.
The group Palestine Action have claimed the damage on two Voyager aircraft was carried out by them.
The group has since vowed to strike again, naming two more RAF bases as future targets, including one that trains the UK's top military officers.
The Telegraph, which accessed a secret meeting of the group, reports that one of the bases has a four-mile stretch of perimeter made up of broken fences, drystone walls, or open access points.
Shocking findings also revealed that there were also two gates that are simply left open.
Another site had three unmanned gate barriers with gaping holes in between, giving infiltrators a straight run onto the grounds.
UK military ready for war Greg Bagwell former Air Marshal RAF says
One of the bases targeted is reportedly linked to Elbit Systems UK, a weapons firm repeatedly targeted by activists.
And while some 10ft black metal fences have recently gone up on site, huge gaps remain.
Even the RAF's main intelligence hub isn't safe, with 700 metres of its perimeter protected by a mix of hedges and low metal fencing.
There is no barbed wire in sight and a handy escape route leads straight onto the A15.
Nearby, another base is protected only by a 6ft-high, garden-style wooden fence for almost 1.5 miles along its north and eastern perimeter.
The major base is home to RAF Typhoon fighter squadrons.
Insiders admitted to the Telegraph that the defences were 'not perfect'.
Security experts have already warned the sites' weaknesses are clearly visible on Google Street View and is highly likely to have already been assessed by activists and foreign agents.
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The 5ft high chain link fence
Credit: The Telegraph
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It comes after RAF Brize Norton was broken into and vandalised
Credit: Alamy
8
Security experts have already warned against the fence
Credit: The Telegraph
The Telegraph claims to have handed over its dossier to the Ministry of Defence.
However, it is refusing to name the bases or pinpointing the weak spots, for national security reasons.
Video posted online last month showed yobs from Palestine Action vandalising Voyager aircraft at Brize Norton.
Four people have since appeared in court since the attack and have been remanded into custody to next appear at the Old Bailey on July 18.
It is understood that enhanced measures are in place following the infiltration at Brize Norton and that security at all bases is under review.
Further 'layered' security measures are also in place inside the bases and other non-visible security measures being used include electronic motion sensors.
Sources also said there were air safety limits on the height of fences that can be erected immediately next to runways.
The majority of the five bases' perimeters consist of barbed wire-topped metal fencing and main gates are guarded by uniformed personnel.
Frequent patrols are conducted by the RAF, police and dog units, and signs warn people to keep out.
A MoD spokesperson told the Telegraph: 'We take security extremely seriously and operate a multi-layered approach to protect our sites, including fencing, patrols and CCTV monitoring.
'Following the security incident at RAF Brize Norton, we are urgently reviewing security procedures across the Defence estate and have immediately implemented a series of enhanced security measures at all sites.
'After years of hollowing out and underfunding of the Armed Forces, the Strategic Defence Review concluded that we need to invest more in this area, backed by the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War.'
8
Military aircraft were sprayed with paint during a break-in at RAF Brize Norton
Credit: Unpixs
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Scottish Sun
12 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
UK's arsenal of nuclear bombers will be protected by garden fence just 5 FEET tall – amid fury over Brize Norton breach
THE UK's deadly arsenal of nuclear bomber jets will only be protected by a 5ft garden fence amid fury over the Brize Norton breach. Britain's state-of-the-art warplanes across the country are being 'guarded' by flimsy wooden fences and even hedgerows in a huge security risk, according to a new investigation by the Telegraph. 8 New F-35 bombers are nuclear-capable 8 The jets will reportedly be protected by a 5ft-high fence that could be scaled by saboteurs Credit: The Telegraph 8 Other bases were also at risk with flimsy defences Credit: The Telegraph The outlet found that some of the RAF's most critical airbases could be waltzed into by determined activists or enemy agents with barely a barbed wire in sight. In one shocking case, a 5ft chain-link fence was all that stood between infiltrators and a base tipped to host Britain's new nuclear-ready F-35 fighter jets. At other bases, entire sections of the perimeter are protected by garden-style wooden fences, patchy CCTV, or even nothing at all – making them sitting ducks for intruders, according to findings. It comes after huge security concerns were raised in recent weeks following a break in at RAF Brize Norton. An estimated £7million of damage was inflicted at the Oxfordshire air base including military aircraft sprayed with paint during the raid. The group Palestine Action have claimed the damage on two Voyager aircraft was carried out by them. The group has since vowed to strike again, naming two more RAF bases as future targets, including one that trains the UK's top military officers. The Telegraph, which accessed a secret meeting of the group, reports that one of the bases has a four-mile stretch of perimeter made up of broken fences, drystone walls, or open access points. Shocking findings also revealed that there were also two gates that are simply left open. Another site had three unmanned gate barriers with gaping holes in between, giving infiltrators a straight run onto the grounds. UK military ready for war Greg Bagwell former Air Marshal RAF says One of the bases targeted is reportedly linked to Elbit Systems UK, a weapons firm repeatedly targeted by activists. And while some 10ft black metal fences have recently gone up on site, huge gaps remain. Even the RAF's main intelligence hub isn't safe, with 700 metres of its perimeter protected by a mix of hedges and low metal fencing. There is no barbed wire in sight and a handy escape route leads straight onto the A15. Nearby, another base is protected only by a 6ft-high, garden-style wooden fence for almost 1.5 miles along its north and eastern perimeter. The major base is home to RAF Typhoon fighter squadrons. Insiders admitted to the Telegraph that the defences were 'not perfect'. Security experts have already warned the sites' weaknesses are clearly visible on Google Street View and is highly likely to have already been assessed by activists and foreign agents. 8 The 5ft high chain link fence Credit: The Telegraph 8 It comes after RAF Brize Norton was broken into and vandalised Credit: Alamy 8 Security experts have already warned against the fence Credit: The Telegraph The Telegraph claims to have handed over its dossier to the Ministry of Defence. However, it is refusing to name the bases or pinpointing the weak spots, for national security reasons. Video posted online last month showed yobs from Palestine Action vandalising Voyager aircraft at Brize Norton. Four people have since appeared in court since the attack and have been remanded into custody to next appear at the Old Bailey on July 18. It is understood that enhanced measures are in place following the infiltration at Brize Norton and that security at all bases is under review. Further 'layered' security measures are also in place inside the bases and other non-visible security measures being used include electronic motion sensors. Sources also said there were air safety limits on the height of fences that can be erected immediately next to runways. The majority of the five bases' perimeters consist of barbed wire-topped metal fencing and main gates are guarded by uniformed personnel. Frequent patrols are conducted by the RAF, police and dog units, and signs warn people to keep out. A MoD spokesperson told the Telegraph: 'We take security extremely seriously and operate a multi-layered approach to protect our sites, including fencing, patrols and CCTV monitoring. 'Following the security incident at RAF Brize Norton, we are urgently reviewing security procedures across the Defence estate and have immediately implemented a series of enhanced security measures at all sites. 'After years of hollowing out and underfunding of the Armed Forces, the Strategic Defence Review concluded that we need to invest more in this area, backed by the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War.' 8 Military aircraft were sprayed with paint during a break-in at RAF Brize Norton Credit: Unpixs
The Sun
12 hours ago
- The Sun
UK's arsenal of nuclear bombers will be protected by garden fence just 5 FEET tall – amid fury over Brize Norton breach
THE UK's deadly arsenal of nuclear bomber jets will only be protected by a 5ft garden fence amid fury over the Brize Norton breach. Britain's state-of-the-art warplanes across the country are being 'guarded' by flimsy wooden fences and even hedgerows in a huge security risk, according to a new investigation by the Telegraph. 8 8 The outlet found that some of the RAF's most critical airbases could be waltzed into by determined activists or enemy agents with barely a barbed wire in sight. In one shocking case, a 5ft chain-link fence was all that stood between infiltrators and a base tipped to host Britain's new nuclear-ready F-35 fighter jets. At other bases, entire sections of the perimeter are protected by garden-style wooden fences, patchy CCTV, or even nothing at all – making them sitting ducks for intruders, according to findings. It comes after huge security concerns were raised in recent weeks following a break in at RAF Brize Norton. An estimated £7million of damage was inflicted at the Oxfordshire air base including military aircraft sprayed with paint during the raid. The group Palestine Action have claimed the damage on two Voyager aircraft was carried out by them. The group has since vowed to strike again, naming two more RAF bases as future targets, including one that trains the UK's top military officers. The Telegraph, which accessed a secret meeting of the group, reports that one of the bases has a four-mile stretch of perimeter made up of broken fences, drystone walls, or open access points. Shocking findings also revealed that there were also two gates that are simply left open. Another site had three unmanned gate barriers with gaping holes in between, giving infiltrators a straight run onto the grounds. UK military ready for war Greg Bagwell former Air Marshal RAF says One of the bases targeted is reportedly linked to Elbit Systems UK, a weapons firm repeatedly targeted by activists. And while some 10ft black metal fences have recently gone up on site, huge gaps remain. Even the RAF's main intelligence hub isn't safe, with 700 metres of its perimeter protected by a mix of hedges and low metal fencing. There is no barbed wire in sight and a handy escape route leads straight onto the A15. Nearby, another base is protected only by a 6ft-high, garden-style wooden fence for almost 1.5 miles along its north and eastern perimeter. The major base is home to RAF Typhoon fighter squadrons. Insiders admitted to the Telegraph that the defences were 'not perfect'. Security experts have already warned the sites' weaknesses are clearly visible on Google Street View and is highly likely to have already been assessed by activists and foreign agents. 8 8 8 The Telegraph claims to have handed over its dossier to the Ministry of Defence. However, it is refusing to name the bases or pinpointing the weak spots, for national security reasons. Video posted online last month showed yobs from Palestine Action vandalising Voyager aircraft at Brize Norton. Four people have since appeared in court since the attack and have been remanded into custody to next appear at the Old Bailey on July 18. It is understood that enhanced measures are in place following the infiltration at Brize Norton and that security at all bases is under review. Further 'layered' security measures are also in place inside the bases and other non-visible security measures being used include electronic motion sensors. Sources also said there were air safety limits on the height of fences that can be erected immediately next to runways. The majority of the five bases' perimeters consist of barbed wire-topped metal fencing and main gates are guarded by uniformed personnel. Frequent patrols are conducted by the RAF, police and dog units, and signs warn people to keep out. A MoD spokesperson told the Telegraph: 'We take security extremely seriously and operate a multi-layered approach to protect our sites, including fencing, patrols and CCTV monitoring. 'Following the security incident at RAF Brize Norton, we are urgently reviewing security procedures across the Defence estate and have immediately implemented a series of enhanced security measures at all sites. 'After years of hollowing out and underfunding of the Armed Forces, the Strategic Defence Review concluded that we need to invest more in this area, backed by the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War.' 8 8
The National
16 hours ago
- The National
We must take to the streets and raise our voices for the world
More than 70 medics killed in 50 days. Entire health systems levelled. Children maimed, entire families erased and infrastructure bombed into dust, the illegal detention of medics and individuals, the torturing of these Palestinians and murder at the hands of the IDF when collecting food, the land grab in the West Bank! These are not unfortunate by-products of war – they are part of a deliberate and systematic campaign to destroy a people's ability to survive. And our government stands idly by, shielding Israel diplomatically and supplying weapons – including F-35 components – used to carry out this destruction. The UK High Court has now refused, in a legally weak decision, to halt arms exports, effectively greenlighting continued sales while Palestinians are slaughtered. And while brave UN officials speak out, Labour and Tory front benches compete in cowardice, too spineless to condemn crimes against humanity when they fear political fallout. Even the right to speak about Palestine is under attack. The proscription of Palestinian movements, the labelling of all resistance as terrorism, the censorship and threats faced by those who speak out – all form part of a growing war on free expression and dissent in the UK. The 100+ BBC journalists who have criticised the BBC for its spineless reporting on the Gaza Genocide speaks volumes The Arab world offers handwringing and silence. The US under Trump, and formerly Biden, has aided and encouraged Israel's brutality. But the Scottish people must speak with moral clarity. We say this clearly: You do not govern in our name. Scotland did not vote for the arming of an apartheid state. Scotland did not consent to being complicit in genocide. We demand an end to all arms exports to Israel, an end to diplomatic protection, and a public reckoning for those who have allowed this mass killing to continue unchallenged and that includes UK politicians! If Westminster will not act, then Scotland must. We must raise our voices, take to the streets and tell the world – we are not with them. Not now. Not ever. Enough. Not in our name. Peter Macari Aberdeen I AM glad that Stan Grodynski took the time to read and even re-read my recent long letter on the subject of the many policy promises made by and sadly broken by our SNP Scottish Government. In the minds of the public, these broken promises are often more relevant than the constant further promises of improvement, after 18 years in government, and the almost endless list of 'free' stuff which dominate the SNP's PR output these days. Stan has even invented a new political language – 'seemingly misleading, from reference to factual sources' is a phrase I have certainly never heard before. I do, however, agree with Stan that with Alex Salmond's passing, Scotland lost a powerful voice that his successors, both in the SNP and Alba parties, as well as in the wider independence movement, have struggled to emulate. I was initially attracted to Stan's suggestion that the SNP should separate the roles of first minister from 'someone else to step up and take the lead in campaigning for independence'. However, that says quite a lot about the ability of the current first minister and his apparent failure to lead the party as well as the Parliament. A reasonable person might expect the SNP's deputy leader to then lead the independence campaign but I suspect that more than 90% of the Scottish electorate, and even a fair number of SNP members, have no idea who that person actually is. I have to admire Stan's considerable efforts to defend both the SNP and the Scottish Government – especially as he is not even a member of the party. His volume of correspondence in this letters page as well as that of several other well-known newspapers is to his credit. It is a shame that the SNP and its considerable army of politicians, well-paid special advisers and spin doctors fail to do the same. The SNP have until May 2026 (appropriately, nine months) to conceive, gestate and produce a strategy which they can then ask the electorate to vote on. That strategy must include a viable route to independence. If the manifesto for 2026 to 2031 is restricted to a list of past achievements, vague promises of vast pots of independence jam tomorrow and better management of devolution, many potential SNP supporters will be asking: just what is the point – and who can blame them. PS. The SNP's current deputy leader is Keith Brown MSP. He has been in that post since June 8, 2018 – seven long years! John Baird Largs THE recent deliberations asked of the Supreme Court by the SNP were narrowly focused on the jurisdictional extent of the Scotland Act so far as relates to the power of the Scottish Government to hold a referendum. More to the point is that question so far as relates to the Treaty of Union. The Treaty of Union predates the Scotland Act. Scotland's jurisdiction outwith the ambit of the Scotland Act was not touched on and therefore remains. That would include the powers to hold a referendum. Calum I Duncan via email
