The UK’s nuclear bases are being spied on by Chinese agents using drones, defence chiefs have warned.

Defense chiefs believe Beijing-linked agents are responsible for 18 drone sightings at military installations and power stations across the United Kingdom in less than two years. A Freedom of Information request revealed details about the drone activity.

The drone sightings occurred between 2019 and 2021, but the military bases’ locations have been withheld for defense and national security reasons.

One nuclear site’s report reads: “Security personnel reported a drone being flown close to a facility.”

While another said: “Drone landed in the area and secured by security personnel.”

A third reads: “Officer reported seeing a drone flying. No drone located upon further search.”

One of the sites suspected of being targeted is the nuclear submarine base in Faslane, Scotland – the country’s most sensitive military installation.

It is home to Trident submarines, and the Royal Naval Armament Depot is located on the base.

Drone sightings have also been reported at the Atomic Weapons Establishment in Aldermaston, Berkshire, which is responsible for the design and manufacture of nuclear warheads.

It follows intelligence chiefs’ warnings that China is determined to steal our most sensitive secrets.

Lieutenant Colonel Philip Ingram, a retired intelligence officer, warned that the Chinese may target other sectors through their “sophisticated espionage programme” operating in the United Kingdom.

He said: “The Chinese have a very mature and sophisticated espionage programme running throughout the UK.

“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 realizing what has happened.”

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