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Written question asked by James Cartlidge (Conservative) on Wednesday, 3 December 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 December 2025. It was answered by Al Carns (Labour) on Thursday, 11 December 2025 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.


Airspace

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Written Statement of 27 November 2025 on MOD Security Review, HCWS1103, when he plans to assess the results of the Restricted Airspace pilot.

Answer

Under the National Security Act 2023, all Defence sites are now designated 'Prohibited Places', protecting the majority of the Defence Estate. By establishing Restricted Airspace above key sites to further support this legislation, it will allow for the swift identification and response to unlawful drone activity above our sites. It will provide Defence and law enforcement agencies with a robust legal framework to take the appropriate action.

The Restricted Airspace pilot programme begins this spring with 40 sites, supported by electronic countermeasures and police-led responses to any incursions. The pilot will be assessed after being in operation for three months and the findings will inform the wider implementation of Restricted Airspace across Defence later in 2026.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
96773
Session
2024-26
Related items
MOD Security Review
Thursday, 27 November 2025
Written statements
House of Commons
Subjects
Airspace
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk