Unauthorised drones fly over Toulon military sites during Exercise Typhon

Unauthorised drones were detected over and around military installations near Toulon in southern France while French forces were rehearsing the defence of those very sites. The incursions occurred during Exercise Typhon, a joint military drill held from 5 to 16 October 2026. On 21 October, the French Navy confirmed the incidents and said a judicial investigation had been opened.

France’s Mediterranean maritime command said the aircraft had entered an area where flights were prohibited. Counter-drone measures were activated after each detection in coordination with domestic security forces. The Navy said no sensitive infrastructure had been threatened.

Drones outside the exercise plan

The sightings took place between 9 and 13 October, according to ICI Provence’s reporting carried by TF1 Info. Sites reportedly affected included Toulon naval base, a facility operated by France’s defence procurement agency (DGA) and the 54th Artillery Regiment at nearby Hyères.

Typhon itself involved authorised military aircraft, including drones. The aircraft behind the reported incursions, however, were not part of the exercise, according to ICI Provence. They could not be accounted for as a scheduled phase of the training.

The drill brought together land, naval and air units to test the protection of military facilities around Toulon harbour. It included daytime operations and some activity at night, with an intensified programme from 13 to 15 October. Working with France’s internal security forces was also one of its stated objectives.

The exercises took place within a regulated airspace environment. Restrictions covering the LF-P62 area prohibited unauthorised flights, including civilian drone operations, while allowing the specified military activities and civil protection emergencies.

Investigators seek those responsible

The Navy confirmed that counter-drone procedures were activated but did not give a detailed account of their results. ICI Provence reported that electromagnetic jamming equipment had been used without any of the reported drones being recovered. Naval authorities have not said whether any aircraft was successfully neutralised.

Investigators must now establish where the drones came from, who was operating them and how they entered the restricted area. There has been no public attribution to a foreign state, an organised group or individual drone pilots. The Mediterranean maritime command reiterated that unauthorised flights over or near military facilities are prohibited and can result in prosecution.

Sources: maritime prefecture statement reproduced by Mer et Marine; official Exercise Typhon announcement.