Activists cause millions in damage at RAF Brize Norton air base

On June 20, 2025, a significant incident occurred at the RAF Brize Norton air base in the United Kingdom when two pro-Palestine activists managed to breach security and damage military aircraft. Utilizing electric scooters, the activists approached two Airbus Voyager jets, which are primarily used for air-to-air refueling. The activists employed repurposed fire extinguishers to spray red paint directly into the turbine engines of the aircraft to symbolize their protest against British military support for Israel. Additional damage was inflicted using crowbars, and the activists left before any security personnel could apprehend them. The escalatory nature of protest actions by groups such as Palestine Action raises concerns regarding security protocols in sensitive military locations like RAF Brize Norton, the largest air base in the UK. Following this incident, video footage was released by Palestine Action showing how the activists accessed the base and damaged the aircraft, asserting that their actions were a direct response to the UK's military involvement and alleged complicity in actions against Palestine. They contend that British military flights, which leave daily from Brize Norton to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, play a role in operations that contribute to violence in Gaza. In the aftermath of the incident, the Ministry of Defense confirmed the breach and condemned it as vandalism of Royal Air Force assets. Assessments predict that the damage caused by these attacks could amount to as much as £30 million, with possible long-term implications including repairs to infrastructure and increased security measures. Concerns are growing within the British government regarding the level of threat posed by activist groups, especially in the wake of over 350 similar acts attributed to Palestine Action over the past five years. As authorities including Thames Valley Police initiate investigations to track down the perpetrators, calls for tighter regulations on protest actions are increasing. The home secretary, Yvette Cooper, is set to propose measures that could lead to the proscription of Palestine Action, allowing for stricter enforcement against organizations deemed to be causing significant disruption through their activist campaigns. With tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continuing to rise, this incident may fuel further discussions regarding the appropriate balance between protest rights and national security.