In a startling breach of security at Britain’s largest Royal Air Force base, two pro-Palestine activists infiltrated RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire during the early hours of June 20, 2025, and caused significant damage to two military aircraft. The group behind the attack, Palestine Action, claimed responsibility, releasing footage that showed the activists riding electric scooters across the runway and spraying red paint into the turbine engines of two Airbus Voyager tanker aircraft using repurposed fire extinguishers. They also reportedly used crowbars to inflict further damage, although this was not clearly visible in the released video.
The activists left a Palestinian flag at the scene and managed to escape undetected, raising serious concerns about the base’s security measures. RAF Brize Norton, home to approximately 5,800 service personnel, 300 civilian staff, and 1,200 contractors, serves as the primary logistics hub for the RAF’s strategic air transport and refuelling operations. It supports daily flights to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, a key staging point for military operations in the Middle East.
Palestine Action framed the attack as a protest against the United Kingdom’s military involvement in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The group accused the UK of complicity in violence and human rights abuses, particularly highlighting flights from RAF Akrotiri that they allege are used for intelligence gathering, refuelling fighter jets, and transporting weapons. A spokesperson for Palestine Action said, “Despite publicly condemning the Israeli government, Britain continues to send military cargo, fly spy planes over Gaza and refuel US and Israeli fighter jets. Britain isn't just complicit, it's an active participant in the Gaza genocide and war crimes across the Middle East.”
However, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has denied these allegations. A spokesman clarified that RAF Voyager aircraft had not been involved in refuelling or supporting Israeli Air Force jets. Instead, the Voyagers have been used to refuel RAF Typhoon jets engaged in international efforts to combat the Islamic State group in eastern Iraq and Syria and have participated in operations against Yemen’s Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. UK Defence Minister Luke Pollard stated, “RAF aircraft operated in accordance with the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas when flying in support of hostage recovery.”
Despite the damage, Downing Street confirmed that no planned aircraft movements were blocked and that operations at RAF Brize Norton continued uninterrupted. Defence Secretary John Healey expressed being “really disturbed” by the incident and ordered a comprehensive investigation alongside a broader security review across the UK’s military estate. South East counter-terrorism police, Thames Valley Police, and the MoD are jointly investigating the breach, with inquiries ongoing to locate and arrest those responsible.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the attack as “disgraceful,” calling it “an act of vandalism.” On social media, he emphasized, “Our Armed Forces represent the very best of Britain and put their lives on the line for us every day. It is our responsibility to support those who defend us.” Opposition Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch described the breach as “deeply concerning” and “politically motivated criminality,” urging the government to “stop tolerating terrorist or extremist groups that seek to undermine our society.” She insisted that “the full force of the law must come down on those responsible.”
Security experts have voiced alarm over the breach. Lord West, a former head of the Royal Navy and Labour minister for UK security, called the break-in “extremely worrying” and a “problem” for national security, stressing that such incidents cannot be allowed. Greg Bagwell, former RAF deputy commander and now a fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, noted the activists targeted a “strange” aircraft type. He explained that the Voyager tankers are primarily used for moving passengers and fuel and have “the wrong connectors” to refuel Israeli or US jets, contrary to the protesters’ claims. Nonetheless, he acknowledged the activists succeeded in creating a significant symbolic impact.
Local politicians also weighed in. Liberal Democrat MP Charlie Maynard labeled the activists’ actions “stupid and dangerous,” calling for a thorough investigation to understand how the breach occurred and to prevent future incidents. The incident has reignited debate over the adequacy of security at RAF bases, especially given the strategic importance of Brize Norton in global military operations.
The base is protected by a large perimeter fence equipped with security cameras, sensors, and manned checkpoints, with patrols conducted from time to time. However, a defence source admitted these measures do not provide complete coverage around the sprawling airbase. This vulnerability echoes previous security concerns, including a series of drone incursions over USAF-operated bases in England last November, such as RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall, which sparked similar questions about surveillance and protection of critical military infrastructure.
Palestine Action has a history of targeting military and arms-related sites in protest of UK involvement in Middle Eastern conflicts. In May 2025, they claimed responsibility for vandalizing a US military plane in Ireland. Just days before the RAF Brize Norton breach, the group also attacked Permoid Industries Ltd in Newton Aycliffe, Durham—a company that has supplied the Ministry of Defence for more than 80 years with military equipment including ammunition containers and munitions. During that incident, activists destroyed equipment, sprayed red paint across the warehouse, and smashed windows while daubing slogans such as “Free Gaza.”
Lord Walney, a former government adviser on political violence, called for immediate government action to ban Palestine Action. He warned that with Iran’s nuclear program on the brink and rising international threats, the UK cannot afford to allow “criminal activists” to attack the country from within. He urged ministers to proscribe the group as terrorists or apply new sanctions recommended in his review submitted to Downing Street and the Home Office.
The Ministry of Defence reiterated its condemnation of the vandalism, praising the dedication and sacrifice of the UK Armed Forces. A MoD spokesman said, “We strongly condemn this vandalism of Royal Air Force assets. We are working closely with the police who are investigating.” A No 10 spokesperson confirmed a full security review is underway at Brize Norton and across the defence estate, emphasizing the seriousness with which all security breaches are treated and the commitment to investigating and prosecuting suspected criminal activity.
The incident at RAF Brize Norton highlights the complex intersection of domestic security, international conflict, and activism. As tensions escalate in the Middle East, particularly between Israel and Iran, and with the UK’s military logistics playing a pivotal role, the breach raises urgent questions about protecting strategic assets at home while navigating the geopolitical challenges abroad.
