Pro-Palestinian Activists Breach RAF Brize Norton Security, Spray Military Planes With Red Paint
In a serious breach of national security, pro-Palestinian activists infiltrated the highly secured RAF Brize Norton airbase in Oxfordshire and vandalised two Royal Air Force aircraft by spraying red paint directly into the engines. The protest, which occurred under the cover of darkness, was captured on video and later circulated online by the activist group Palestine Action.
The footage shows two individuals moving across the base, with one riding a scooter up to an Airbus Voyager aircraft and discharging red paint into its jet engine using a modified fire extinguisher. The activists claim they rendered the aircraft key to UK air-to-air refuelling missions “out of service.”
The UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, swiftly condemned the incident, calling it “a disgraceful act of vandalism.” The Ministry of Defence (MoD) echoed the condemnation and has launched a full review of security protocols across military installations. RAF engineers are currently assessing the extent of damage, but early reports suggest operational impact is minimal.
RAF Brize Norton serves as the main hub for strategic air transport and air-to-air refuelling for the UK military, including flights supporting operations in Gaza via RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. The activists claimed the UK continues to aid Israeli military operations despite political statements to the contrary.
The group further alleged that the UK assists indirectly in the Gaza conflict by providing military logistics and surveillance support to Israeli and US operations. Their statement referenced ongoing reconnaissance flights over Gaza from UK bases.
Though the base is protected by perimeter fencing, security cameras, and manned checkpoints, officials admitted that these measures could not offer full coverage of such a vast installation. A defence source confirmed to the BBC that a complete review of base security is underway.
The activists reportedly used crowbars to inflict further damage, although this was not evident in the footage. Notably, the Prime Minister’s official aircraft, Vespina, which was parked at the base, was left untouched.
Thames Valley Police confirmed they received reports of the break-in and are actively searching for the perpetrators. “Inquiries are ongoing to locate and arrest those responsible,” the force stated.
Reactions from across the political spectrum followed swiftly. Former Royal Navy chief and Labour peer Lord West labelled the breach “extremely worrying” and a clear threat to national security. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch described the act as “politically motivated criminality,” warning against tolerating groups that threaten societal order.
Shadow Armed Forces Minister Mark Francois criticised the breach as “reprehensible” and demanded answers from the MoD regarding how intruders could access what is considered a secure airbase.
This isn’t the first time Palestine Action has carried out such protests. In May 2025, the group took responsibility for vandalising a US military aircraft in Ireland. The recent RAF base incident appears to be part of a broader campaign targeting military assets and defence contractors linked to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
With tensions escalating over the UK’s perceived role in foreign military support, this breach raises serious questions about the robustness of base security and the limits of lawful protest. The investigation is ongoing.
