British intelligence sources have confirmed that MI6 and GCHQ are monitoring Hezbollah's evolving drone tactics against Israel in real time, as the fragile Middle East ceasefire threatens to collapse. The surveillance, part of a broader joint operation with Israeli signals intelligence, has uncovered a marked shift in Hezbollah's unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) strategy over the past 72 hours.
Sources familiar with the intelligence reports describe a sharp increase in low-altitude, terrain-hugging drones launched from southern Lebanon, designed to evade Israeli air defences. The drones, mostly Iranian-made Mohajer-6 and Ababil-2 models, are being used for both reconnaissance and, increasingly, loitering munitions attacks. One source said: 'They are no longer just looking. They are hunting.'
The timing is critical. The ceasefire, brokered by the United Nations and the United States, has been teetering since a series of skirmishes along the Blue Line last week. Israel has accused Hezbollah of violating the truce by positioning drone launchpads within civilian areas. Hezbollah denies the allegations and insists its actions are defensive.
British intelligence assessments, reviewed by this reporter, suggest that Hezbollah's drone programme has matured significantly since the 2006 war. The group now operates a drone squadron of at least 200 UAVs, with a dedicated command structure trained by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The intelligence further indicates that Hezbollah has developed a sophisticated electronic warfare capability to jam Israeli radar and GPS signals during drone operations.
A senior British defence official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: 'Hezbollah's drone tactics are a direct threat to Israeli security and to the stability of the region. We are sharing our findings with our allies to prevent an escalation that could spiral out of control.'
The UK's involvement in monitoring Hezbollah's drone activity is part of a broader intelligence-sharing arrangement known as the 'Five Eyes' partnership, which includes Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States. However, the British role has been kept under wraps until now, with even some members of Parliament unaware of the full extent of the surveillance.
Documents obtained by this newsroom show that GCHQ's listening station at Bude in Cornwall has been intercepting communications between Hezbollah drone operators and their Iranian handlers. The intercepts reveal detailed targeting data and real-time adjustments to drone flight paths to avoid Israeli countermeasures.
The situation on the ground remains volatile. Israeli warplanes have conducted limited strikes against suspected Hezbollah drone launch sites, while Hezbollah has fired anti-aircraft missiles at Israeli drones. Both sides accuse each other of escalating the conflict.
A UNIFIL spokesperson said the peacekeeping force is 'deeply concerned' by the developments and is urging restraint. But with British intelligence painting a picture of an organisation that has perfected the art of drone warfare, the path to lasting peace looks increasingly treacherous.
As one MI6 officer put it: 'This isn't your grandfather's Hezbollah. They have adapted. And unless we adapt faster, we are going to lose the edge.'
