A 22-year-old man has been remanded in custody after allegedly taking part in a demonstration at RAF Brize Norton that caused millions of pounds worth of damage to military aircraft.
Muhammad Umer Khalid faces charges including criminal damage and compromising UK security following the break-in at the Oxfordshire air base in June. During the incident, two RAF Voyager planes were spray-painted, resulting in an estimated £7 million of damage.
The protest was claimed by Palestine Action, which said the action was in opposition to the UK’s weapons sales to Israel. Shortly afterwards, the group was proscribed as a terrorist organisation.
Khalid appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court dressed in a black hoodie and grey tracksuit. He only spoke to confirm his identity and address.
According to the prosecutor, Peter Ratliff, the alleged offence took place around 1:40 am on 20 June. The court heard that two jet engines, one from each Voyager aircraft, required replacement at a cost of £2.5 million each.
Fire extinguishers marked with Palestine Action branding and Palestinian flags were also found at the scene.
Khalid, originally from Manchester and a British citizen, was arrested at a Bedford address last Friday. He was denied bail and will next appear at the Old Bailey on 22 August.
He is the fifth person charged in connection with the break-in. Four others, Amy Gardiner-Gibson (29), Jony Cink (24), Daniel Jeronymides-Norie (36), and Lewis Chiaramello (22), were remanded last month.
All five defendants are scheduled to appear together at the Old Bailey for a plea hearing on 16 January 2026, with a provisional trial date set for 18 January 2027.
