The United Kingdom is deploying military personnel and equipment to Belgium following a series of disruptive drone sightings that forced the temporary closures of two major airports, raising concerns over security and airspace safety across Europe.
Air Chief Marshal Richard Knighton confirmed to the BBC that the UK military would support Belgian authorities after a formal request for assistance. “We don’t know – and the Belgians don’t yet know – the source of those drones, but we will help them by providing our kit and capability, which has already started to deploy to help Belgium,” Knighton said. Details about the specific equipment or number of personnel being sent were not disclosed.
Drone Sightings Cause Airport Disruptions
In the past week, Brussels International Airport and Liege Airport, one of Europe’s largest cargo hubs, were temporarily closed due to unauthorized drone activity. At Liege, operations resumed Sunday evening after a 30-minute suspension, according to Skeyes air traffic control.
The drone sightings occurred near a United States military base in Belgium that reportedly stores nuclear weapons, heightening concerns over potential security threats. Similar drone incursions have recently affected airports in other European countries, including Sweden.
Belgium’s government held an emergency meeting to discuss the escalating situation, signaling the seriousness of repeated drone activity near key civilian and military installations.
Uncertainty Over Drone Operators
The identity of the individuals or groups operating the drones remains unknown. While Russia has been linked to hybrid warfare tactics in Europe, no direct evidence currently ties these recent incidents to Moscow. Russia has denied involvement.
Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken suggested that some of the drone operations may be part of a sophisticated espionage effort, likely beyond the capabilities of amateur operators.
The recent spate of drone incidents is part of a broader European concern over airspace violations amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, with drones increasingly spotted near civilian airports and military facilities in Denmark, Germany, Norway, and other countries.
Hybrid Warfare Concerns Across Europe
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has described the drone activity as a form of “hybrid warfare,” aimed at sowing division within Europe, though she did not directly blame Russia. Analysts and officials note that these incidents represent a growing trend of non-conventional threats targeting critical infrastructure.
Since September, NATO and allied forces, including those in Poland, have shot down drones violating European airspace during Russian attacks on Ukraine, underscoring the growing need for coordinated European air defense measures.
Belgium is strategically important as the headquarters of NATO and the European Union, and it hosts Europe’s largest financial clearinghouse, which manages tens of billions of euros in frozen Russian assets. These assets are being considered by EU countries as collateral to fund Ukraine, although Belgium has yet to approve such measures.
UK’s Role and International Support
The UK’s deployment of military support and technology aims to bolster Belgian airport security and enhance surveillance capabilities, providing both immediate assistance and reassurance to authorities. Knighton emphasized that the operation has already begun, reflecting the UK’s commitment to collective European security.
As European countries continue to face drone incursions and other forms of hybrid warfare, the collaboration between the UK and Belgium underscores the critical importance of multinational defense cooperation in protecting both civilian and strategic military sites.
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