The base is protected by a force of 120 naval gendarmes and Navy marines. It houses the four nuclear submarines of France’s deterrent fleet, one of which is always on active duty at sea.

The base’s security systems detected five drones flying over Île Longue last night.

An anti-drone system was activated, while the marine battalion responsible for protecting the base opened fire at them.

Drone flights in this restricted zone are not uncommon. On the night of November 17–18, a drone flight was detected over the Crozon peninsula, though not over a military facility.

Drone flights have increased over airports, military bases, and other critical infrastructure across northern Europe in recent months. Authorities in several countries suspect Moscow as the orchestrator of these activities.