The operator of France’s nuclear facilities said some mystery drones have been flying over seven of the 19 system plants in recent weeks and that police have been notified.
Electricitie de France security teams said they first noticed the drones three weeks ago and are still puzzled about where they come from, United Press International reported.
It’s against the law in France to fly within a three-mile perimeter of nuclear plants, or less than 1,100 yards above them.
The power company downplayed the sightings, which started on Oct. 3 and continued on Oct. 13 and 20, UPI said.
“We have no fear concerning a drone flying over our installations,” the company said in a statement reported by UPI. “These objects are not capable of damaging anything if they fall, nor of any object they might drop.”
The drones are large enough to transport explosives, The Telegraph reported.
The anti-nuclear group Greenpeace has denied involvement and said it was also concerned about the drones, UPI reported.
“We are very worried about the repeated existence of these suspicious flights,” Greenpeace said, UPI reported. “Neither EDF nor police have provided an explanation.”
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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