In a major security breach, pro-Palestinian activists broke into RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire’s key military airbase, and sprayed two military aircraft with red paint. The incident, which took place in the early hours of Friday, was condemned by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer as a “disgraceful act of vandalism.”
Footage released by the protest group Palestine Action showed activists inside the base at night, with one person riding a scooter directly up to an Airbus Voyager and spraying red paint into one of its engines using a repurposed fire extinguisher.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed the breach and is now working with Thames Valley Police, which is leading the investigation. A full security review of UK military bases is expected in response to the incident.
Palestine Action claimed responsibility for the operation, stating the targeted aircraft were used to refuel US and Israeli fighter jets and conduct reconnaissance missions over Gaza. RAF Brize Norton serves as a central hub for strategic UK air transport and aerial refuelling operations, including flights to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.
Although the activists claimed to have rendered the air-to-air refuelling tankers “out of service,” a defence source told the BBC that operational disruptions were not expected. RAF engineers are currently assessing the extent of the damage.
The protest group also alleged the use of crowbars to cause further damage, though this was not confirmed in the available video footage. The Vespina aircraft, used for prime ministerial travel and present at the base, was left untouched.
An MoD spokeswoman stated, “Our armed forces represent the very best of Britain… It is our responsibility to support those who defend us.”
Lord West, former head of the Royal Navy, called the breach “extremely worrying” and emphasized the national security implications. Shadow armed forces minister Mark Francois echoed the concern, calling the act “totally reprehensible” and urging the MoD to explain how protesters managed to enter a secure base.
Palestine Action has staged similar protests throughout the Gaza conflict, previously targeting arms companies and military assets, including a US aircraft in Ireland earlier this year.
