New UK Laws Prevent Drones Flying Near MoD Sites: Everything You Need To Know

From 19 February 2026, new UK legislation has placed stricter limits on where drones can be flown near military and defence facilities. These changes have now come into force and affect both recreational pilots and commercial operators, introducing new protected airspace around Ministry of Defence sites across the country.

The updated rules are designed to strengthen national security and reduce risks linked to unauthorised aerial activity. For drone users across the UK, understanding these restrictions is now essential. Failure to comply can result in financial penalties, loss of flying privileges, or prosecution.

This guide explains what the new laws mean, when they have come into effect, which areas are affected, and how pilots can continue flying safely and responsibly.

Why The Government Has Introduced These Restrictions

Drone ownership and usage have grown rapidly in the UK over the past decade. Modern drones are capable of capturing high resolution imagery, transmitting data over long distances, and operating at precise low altitudes. While this technology has enabled amazing creative and commercial applications, it also brings increased risk when aircraft operate near sensitive locations.

Military bases, naval dockyards, nuclear research facilities, and defence communications centres require enhanced protection. If drones are flown too close, they may unintentionally capture sensitive imagery or interfere with vital operations.

To address these concerns, the government introduced updated drone airspace regulations. These have come into force from 19 February 2026 to create clear legal boundaries around key defence infrastructure.

The main aims of the new rules are to:

• Protect defence and security infrastructure
• Prevent surveillance risks
• Reduce the likelihood of accidental airspace breaches
• Provide clarity and certainty for drone pilots

Understanding these changes can help drone operators plan flights that are both safe and compliant.

What The 2026 MoD Drone Regulations Do

The regulations establish restricted airspace around more than 40 named defence related sites across the UK. They replace earlier 2024 rules with a more detailed system that specifies exact geographic boundaries and minimum permitted flying heights for each site.

Each protected area is defined by:

• Exact coordinates on official airspace maps
• A mapped polygon boundary
• A minimum altitude below which drones must not fly

If a drone is flown below the stated altitude inside a restricted zone, the pilot is committing an offence.

Most recreational drone flights take place below 400 feet. Many of the altitude limits now lie above that level, meaning that in practice these areas act as effective no fly zones for civilian operators.

Examples Of MoD Sites Covered By The Restrictions

The regulations cover a broad range of defence locations across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The list includes major operational bases, research facilities, and strategic installations.

Here are some key sites now protected under the new framework:

RAF Lakenheath

Located in Suffolk, RAF Lakenheath is a major operational base used by the United States Air Force. It now has defined restricted airspace limits under the new rules.

RAF Mildenhall

Also in Suffolk, RAF Mildenhall supports a range of military air transport and aerial refuelling operations. Drone flights below the defined altitude here are now prohibited.

RAF Menwith Hill

This intelligence and communications facility in North Yorkshire now carries higher altitude restrictions due to its strategic role in defence operations.

HMNB Clyde

Situated in Scotland, Her Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde features one of the highest altitude limits in the restrictions, extending up to 2,900 feet above mean sea level.

HMNB Devonport

Based in Plymouth, HMNB Devonport is a key Royal Navy dockyard. The new restrictions now apply to mapped sections of the port and surrounding waters.

Aldermaston

Aldermaston in Berkshire is associated with nuclear research and weapons programmes. It now falls within a protected zone where drones must not fly below the set height.

Burghfield

Close to Aldermaston, this defence manufacturing and storage site is also included in the restricted airspace list.

Porton Down

As a centre for defence science and technology research, Porton Down is now protected under the new rules.

RAF Fairford

This Gloucestershire based air station is used for strategic air operations and now has clearly defined drone restrictions.

Northwood Headquarters

Located in Greater London, Northwood Headquarters is a major military command centre now subject to the updated regulations.

These examples illustrate that the restricted zones are not limited to remote bases. Many are near towns, public land, countryside locations and areas popular with drone pilots. Discover the full restriction list on the official legislation site.

How The Altitude Limits Now Work

Each protected site has a specified minimum flying height. Typical altitude ranges include:

• 500 feet for some lower risk sites
• 600 to 900 feet for many RAF bases
• 1,000 to 1,400 feet for high security installations
• Up to 2,900 feet at HMNB Clyde

If a drone is flown below the minimum altitude within a protected area, this is considered a breach of the regulations.

These limits have come into force from 19 February 2026 and apply at all times, not just for brief flights.

Who Must Now Comply

The new rules apply to all unmanned aircraft operators, regardless of the type of drone being flown. This includes:

• Recreational pilots
• First person view (FPV) flyers
• Commercial surveyors
• Inspections and mapping operators
• Filmmakers
• Hobby pilots

Drone weight is not a factor. Even sub 250 gram aircraft fall within the scope of the regulations.

Exemptions Under The Regulations

Some organisations are allowed to operate drones within restricted zones when conducting official or designated duties. These include:

• Ministry of Defence
• Police and other emergency services
• Fire services
• Maritime and Coastguard Agency
• Approved visiting forces

In rare circumstances, written permission may be granted to civilian operators. This usually requires formal applications, risk assessments, and approval from relevant authorities.

What This Means For Recreational Pilots

Since 19 February 2026, recreational drone pilots must take extra care when selecting flying locations.

Before each flight, pilots should:

• Check official Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) airspace maps
• Use approved flight planning applications
• Review the latest airspace notices
• Identify nearby military or defence infrastructure

Some protected sites are located near popular outdoor locations such as coastal paths, countryside parks, and open fields. Without checking, it is possible to enter restricted zones unintentionally.

Impact On Commercial Drone Operations

For commercial drone operators, the new restrictions require careful planning and risk management.

Operations near sites such as RAF Fairford, HMNB Devonport, or Aldermaston may now involve:

• Alternative take off points
• Adjusted flight routes
• Higher operational altitudes
• Permission requests
• Project timeline revisions

Many businesses have already updated their internal procedures to reflect the new regulatory framework.

Penalties For Breaching Restricted Airspace

Violating the restrictions can result in:

• Financial penalties
• Criminal prosecution
• Confiscation of equipment
• Suspension of operator registration
• Loss of flying privileges

Because these rules are linked to national security, enforcement may be more robust than for standard airspace violations.

Staying Safe & Compliant

To operate responsibly under the updated rules, pilots should always:

• Check official airspace sources before every flight
• Do not rely solely on onboard geofencing
• Build airspace review into pre flight routines
• Stay up to date with regulatory changes

Modern drones from manufacturers such as DJI often include built in safety features such as geofencing alerts and altitude warnings. However, the legal responsibility for compliance remains with the pilot.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the new MoD drone restrictions come into force?

The regulations have come into force from 19 February 2026.

Which RAF bases are included?

Examples include RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, RAF Menwith Hill, RAF Fairford, and RAF Wyton.

Are naval bases covered?

Yes. HMNB Clyde, HMNB Devonport, and HMNB Portsmouth are among the protected locations.

Do these rules apply to small drones?

Yes. All unmanned aircraft are included regardless of weight.

Can I apply for permission to fly near MoD sites?

In rare cases, permission may now be granted following formal approval processes.

How do I check if I am near a restricted zone?

Use official CAA airspace maps and trusted flight planning applications before every flight.

Where can I see the full list of restricted sites and regulation details?

You can view the full list of locations and complete 2026 regulation text on the official legislation site.

Conclusion

The MoD drone regulations that have come into force from 19 February 2026 represent one of the most significant updates to UK drone airspace rules in recent years. By introducing defined altitude limits and mapped boundaries around sites such as RAF Lakenheath, HMNB Clyde, Aldermaston and Porton Down, the government has strengthened protection of critical defence infrastructure.

For pilots, this now means greater responsibility. Careful planning, reliable tools, and up to date knowledge are essential for safe and legal flying.

By respecting these restrictions, the drone community can continue to grow responsibly while supporting national security.

Need help understanding UK drone laws? Contact our team at sales@coptrz.com for expert guidance and professional advice.