Toulon:Unauthorized drones were detected flying over several military sites in southern France, including the Toulon naval base, during a military exercise earlier this month. These incidents were reported by broadcaster ICI Provence, citing maritime authorities.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, the nighttime drone flights occurred between October 9 and 13. The areas affected included the naval base, the Directorate General of Armaments' premises in Toulon, and the 54th Artillery Regiment in nearby Hyeres. The Maritime Prefecture confirmed that these drones were not part of Exercise Typhoon, which took place from October 5 to 16.

The exercise was conducted to train personnel in protecting military installations in the Toulon harbor area and involved various aircraft, including drones. Despite the deployment of sophisticated electromagnetic jamming systems, authorities were unable to determine the number and models of the unauthorized drones or locate them. A source informed ICI Provence that the drones were large and appeared in multiple instances.

A judicial investigation has been initiated by the Toulon public prosecutor's office to identify those responsible for operating the drones and to understand their motives. The report highlighted that flights over the 'LF-P 62 Toulon' zone are restricted by decree to safeguard sensitive military installations, with exceptions only for emergency services. The Maritime Prefecture assured that no sensitive infrastructure was threatened during the incidents.