Sailors are using fire hoses as a last-ditch defence for Britain's Trident nuclear submarines against drone attacks

From the Newshound archive · first published 9 October 2026.

Royal Navy personnel at HMNB Clyde in Faslane are being trained to blast approaching drones with high-pressure fire hoses to protect Britain's nuclear-armed Vanguard submarines while they sit in port. Threats have reportedly advanced far beyond the "small spy drones" the measure was originally designed for. The base's geography compounds the risk, with public roads and open hills nearby giving potential attackers little distance to cover.

The centre-fed reel hoses, fitted with pistol-grip nozzles, are positioned on submarine decks as a final layer if other security systems fail.

Threats have reportedly "moved on a lot" — raising urgent questions about whether Faslane's defences have kept pace.

There are calls for the Prime Minister to increase defence spending, with the hose revelation highlighting the gap between Britain's nuclear deterrent and its protection.