Activists Infiltrate RAF Brize Norton, Vandalize Military Aircraft with Paint
In a significant security breach, pro-Palestinian activists infiltrated RAF Brize Norton, a vital military airbase in Oxfordshire, and vandalized two military aircraft with red paint. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer denounced the act as a “disgraceful act of vandalism.”
Video footage released by the protest group Palestine Action captured activists inside the base during the night. One individual was seen approaching an Airbus Voyager on a scooter and spraying red paint into one of its engines using a modified fire extinguisher.
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed the breach and is collaborating with Thames Valley Police, which is leading the investigation. A comprehensive security review of UK military bases is anticipated following this incident.
Palestine Action claimed responsibility, asserting that the aircraft targeted were involved in refueling US and Israeli fighter jets and conducting reconnaissance missions over Gaza. RAF Brize Norton is a central hub for the UK's strategic air transport and aerial refueling operations, including flights to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.
Although activists claimed to have disabled the air-to-air refueling tankers, a defence source informed the BBC that no operational disruptions were expected. Currently, RAF engineers are evaluating the damage.
The protest group also suggested that crowbars were used to inflict further damage, although this was not corroborated by the video evidence. The Vespina aircraft, used for prime ministerial travel and located at the base, remained undisturbed.
A spokeswoman from the MoD stated, “Our armed forces represent the very best of Britain... It is our responsibility to support those who defend us.”
Lord West, the former head of the Royal Navy, described the breach as “extremely worrying,” highlighting its potential implications for national security. Shadow armed forces minister Mark Francois condemned the act as “totally reprehensible” and urged the MoD to clarify how protesters accessed a secure base.
Palestine Action has been involved in similar protests during the Gaza conflict, previously targeting military assets and arms companies, including an incident involving a US aircraft in Ireland earlier this year.
