01:22 10-06-2026

Britain Tests Bolt Drones Near Russia’s Border

U.S. Army photo by Capt. Alexander Watkins, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Britain has deployed Bolt loitering munitions and Ghost drones for drills in Estonia near Russia’s border, amid NATO eastern flank concerns.

Britain has tested its new Bolt loitering munitions during drills in Estonia, less than 70 kilometers from the Russian border. Military Watch Magazine reported that the deployment to the NATO member state is linked to efforts to deter what is described as a possible Russian offensive.

Bolt is a single-use attack drone designed to locate and strike armored vehicles with precision, as well as other targets on the battlefield.

The British Army is also using the new Ghost reconnaissance drone during the maneuvers. The system supports surveillance missions and can also serve as a communications relay.

According to Military Watch Magazine, Major Steve Watts, who is taking part in the exercises, expects such systems to strengthen the combat capabilities of British forces.

Politico earlier reported that the Baltic states were discussing the construction of bomb shelters amid the active use of Russian drones in Ukraine. The outlet said those talks reflected growing concern on NATO’s eastern flank over the scale and intensity of Russia’s UAV campaign.

Moscow has repeatedly said it has no plans to attack NATO countries. Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously argued that Western leaders use claims about a «Russian threat» to frighten their own populations and divert attention from domestic problems.