ATTACK DRONES AT THE GAMES

Putin’s ‘sky threat’

ATTACK drones will protect athletes at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham next month amid fears of a threat from Vladimir Putin.

MI5 chiefs fear Russian agents could attempt an assassination, nerve-agent attack or cyber strike in retaliation for the West arming Ukraine.

It will be the first time the aircraft – designed to destroy or capture enemy unmanned air vehicles – will have been used at a major UK public event.

It is also understood that the special forces have already conducted exercises in Birmingham.

A defence source said yesterday: “The SAS are leaving nothing to chance. There is a risk that Russia may try to disrupt the Games.

“That includes everything from a cyber attack to an assassination or the use of a nerve agent.

“The Commonwealth Games are a high-profile event and could easily be exploited by the Kremlin.

“All of the attacks we are preparing for have already been carried out by the Russians, either in the UK or in other western countries. It is easy to see how President Putin would want to punish the UK for supplying weapons to Ukraine.”

The Ministry of Defence has revealed up to 1,000 personnel – including snipers and bomb disposal officers – will be deployed at the Games.

Armed undercover experts from the Special Reconnaissance Regiment will mingle with spectators.

The troops will be equipped with what are called “counter unmanned air vehicle systems”, such as attack drones, left, lasers and weapons, which can disrupt GPS on hostile drones and radio signals.

The MoD said last night: “Defence will provide a range of assistance to support delivery of the Games.

“This includes the provision of ceremonial assets, advisory teams, explosive ordnance disposal capabilities and counter-unmanned aerial systems.”

“In addition, the team has worked constructively with West Midlands Police and will be readying several hundred service personnel to support with venue security.”