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Warning after drone 'near misses' with RAF planes

Getty File photo of a drone in the skyGetty
The RAF said there had been two recent "near miss" incidents involving drones and military aircraft which could have been “catastrophic"

Drone operators have been warned about “reckless” behaviour after “near misses” with military aircraft.

The Mach Loop - a series of valleys between Dolgellau in Gwynedd and Machynlleth in Powys - is used by the Royal Air Force (RAF) for low-flying aircraft training.

But the RAF said there had been two incidents in recent weeks which could have had “catastrophic consequences”.

“Most drone pilots know to behave with appropriate caution - but it only takes the action of one reckless individual to cause a fatality,” RAF Valley said.

RAF Valley Drone warning signRAF Valley
Warning signs have been installed across the Mach Loop after recent incidents

It said its aircraft frequently flew below 400ft (122 metres) in the designated area and that using drones “recklessly or negligently” in a way which could “endanger any person or property" was illegal.

The RAF put up warning signs around the area, with more to be installed.