Horror warning UK is 'ripe' for Russian sabotage after 'Kremlin drone airport attacks'

 Britain is "ripe" for Russian sabotage and must take action now to prepare for the threat, experts have warned. Labour is being urged to boost defences around critical infrastructure following a surge in incidents on mainland Europe.

Many have been linked to Russia, with NATO and EU chiefs warning Moscow is becoming increasingly reckless. Illya Sekirin, a former adviser on drone warfare to the Ukraine government, said the West "underestimates" the threat with Russia now ramping up hybrid attacks. The former frontline drone pilot said Britain risks emboldening Vladimir Putin by failing to protect key sites.

He said the UK - and the rest of Europe - are particularly vulnerable to drones which have already been used to cause chaos in suspected Russian-linked incidents.

"If you have the systems in place, Russia may think twice about trying to carry out some sort of hybrid drone attack with plausible deniability," Mr Sekirin told the Express.

"Because it will know that most of the drones will not get through. It's really important for deterrence.

"But if things come to worse, you would like to have your critical infrastructure protected the best you can."

It comes after Germany blamed Russia for an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport in August.

The accusation, denied by Moscow, has triggered an intensifying diplomatic row as tensions between Russia and the West skyrocket.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said such incidents have become the "new normal" and Europe must be ready to respond.

Western officials have long alleged Russia is running a campaign of sabotage and disruption aimed at undermining support for Ukraine.

The past month has seen a series of suspected Russian attacks targeting facilities linked to military support for Kyiv

Incidents have taken place in Bulgaria, Italy, Estonia and Slovakia.

While Poland has said Russia was likely behind a "deliberate arson" at a drone factory in the country last Monday.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk said arson "cannot be ruled out" for a fire at another facility in Lublin.

Former Army intelligence officer Philip Ingram warned hybrid activity is rising and Britain is vulnerable.

He said: "The UK is ripe for it. Putin will see us as weak and therefore will increase the number of attacks that he's got, in ways that he can try and put further pressure on the Government.

"We need to brace ourselves for that."

He said MI5 and counterterrorism police are "hugely under-resourced" for wider threats and urged national resilience plans to be accelerated as a priority.

Defence sources say there is growing pressure on ministers to introduce the plans amid fears Russia could strike a critical sector in the coming years.

An information campaign on the topic is being brought forward to the autumn, it is understood.

Shane Mason, managing director at defence advisory firm Strategical, said the failed drone attack in Germany highlights the issue.

He said: "Britain does not lack counter-drone technology or the expertise to keep developing the required solutions. We have some extremely capable people and companies in this area.

"The bigger question is whether those capabilities are organised into a sufficiently coherent national system."

Renewed Kremlin threats have only raised concerns Russia could wage an attack on British soil.

Mr Putin this week said it is a "military secret" whether Russia will strike British military sites.

Tensions are escalating between the two nations after the UK agreed to give Ukraine blueprints for Storm Shadow missiles.

Russia's foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova warned the UK is "playing with fire" over the move

She also threatened to hit British military targets inside and outside Ukraine after UK-made missiles were used to strike Russian territory.

Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge said the tensions show the need for defence spending to be boosted.

He said: "With Russia ramping up its threats every day, Labour needs to be growing the armed forces and strengthening our deterrence. Instead, we have a Chancellor unable to commit to the very target of 3% Defence spending that he previously resigned over.

"You can't protect Britain with words and vibes alone, tough choices are needed to properly fund our defence and national resilience.

"Instead of being continuity Starmer on national security, Burnham should follow Kemi's lead by taking the tough decisions to cut welfare and fund defence, so that we can hit 3% by 2030 - sending a powerful signal to our adversaries that we will do whatever it takes to deter them."

A spate of mysterious drone sightings across Europe in autumn last year prompted alarm among allies.

Drones buzzed around critical infrastructure and military bases, while sightings near airports caused major travel disruption.

British authorities are in touch with their German counterparts about the Leipzig/Halle Airport incident and are expected to remain in close contact as investigations continue, it is understood.

The EU and NATO are working on a "drone wall" to protect European airspace from incursions.

It is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2027.

A Government spokesperson said: "Keeping people safe and protecting national security is the first responsibility of government, which is why we are taking more steps than ever to ensure the resilience of our critical national infrastructure.

"Defence has seen the biggest increase in defence spending since the Cold War, investing in air defences, drones and new technologies that will keep Britain safe, and increasing intelligence funding to meet rising demand to illuminate and deter threats.

"We remain vigilant against potential threats, and Russia should be in no doubt about the resolve of this Government to stand against Russian aggression, in Ukraine and against the UK and our allies."