Protesters Spray Paint on RAF Aircraft at Brize Norton Base
Pro-Palestinian activists gained access to RAF Brize Norton, reportedly spraying red paint onto two military aircraft in a serious breach of security. Prime Minister Keir Starmer slammed the incident as “disgraceful” vandalism.
Footage shared by the group Palestine Action shows two individuals entering the airbase under cover of darkness. One is seen on a scooter approaching an Airbus Voyager bomber-refueller and dousing its engine with paint.
The Defence Ministry has launched a full review of base security and is working with Thames Valley Police, who are spearheading the investigation. RAF technicians are currently assessing the damage, which officials believe is unlikely to interrupt flight operations.
Palestine Action claimed responsibility, stating the paint would render the aircraft “out of service.” The group said the activist pair also used crowbars—but while bodycam footage doesn’t show this, the MoD has not denied the claim.
This marks the latest action by Palestine Action, which has a pattern of targeting military assets, including a US aircraft in Ireland in May.
RAF Brize Norton is the UK’s largest airbase for strategic air transport and aerial refuelling, supporting missions to RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus, and intelligence gathering flights over Gaza.
The base’s defences include fencing, cameras, patrols, sensors, and checkpoints. Yet insiders suggested such measures could still be bypassed around the vast perimeter.
Air Force officials clarified that the targeted Voyager planes were not involved in Israeli refuelling missions. Instead, they’re currently deployed in anti-ISIS and Red Sea operations.
Thames Valley Police confirmed that inquiries are ongoing to identify and arrest those involved.
Former Royal Navy chief Lord West called the break-in “extremely worrying,” warning it posed a national security risk. Conservative MP Kemi Badenoch described it as “politically motivated criminality,” urging stronger action.
Friends of the base, including local MP Charlie Maynard, called for an investigation into the security lapse and improvements to prevent future breaches.