Early on June 20, pro-Palestinian activists infiltrated RAF Brize Norton, the UK’s key strategic air transport base, vandalizing two military jets with red paint. The incident was claimed by the direct action group Palestine Action, which posted footage on social media showing two individuals inside the secured Oxfordshire airbase.
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In the video, one activist rides a scooter up to an Airbus Voyager refueling tanker and appears to spray paint into one of its engines. The group stated they used modified fire extinguishers to spread the paint and claimed to have caused additional damage with crowbars—though this was not visible in the released footage.
The activists moved unchallenged after breaching security, raising concerns over base protections. Palestine Action justified the protest by alleging RAF Brize Norton supports Israeli military operations, including surveillance flights over Gaza from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. The group accused the UK of enabling Israel’s actions despite publicly criticizing its government.
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) condemned the act as “serious vandalism” and confirmed an investigation is underway in collaboration with police. An MoD spokesperson emphasized the armed forces’ dedication, stating, “They put their lives on the line for us… It is our responsibility to support those who defend us.”
Thames Valley Police have not yet announced any arrests. While operations at the base continue, the extent of damage to the aircraft remains undisclosed.
This marks the latest in a series of actions by Palestine Action, which has previously targeted arms firms and military sites linked to the Gaza conflict.
