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Belgium investigates unidentified drone flights over military base
Belgium has launched an investigation following consecutive nights of unidentified drone flights over the Kleine-Brogel airbase in the northeast of the country, Defense Minister Theo Francken confirmed Sunday.
The drones were observed Friday and Saturday evenings, with the minister describing Saturday’s activity as a deliberate mission targeting the base, not merely casual overflights. He noted that three drones, “larger in size” and flying at higher altitudes, were reported. Police helicopters and patrol vehicles attempted to intercept one drone but lost contact.
Francken emphasized that flying drones over military zones is strictly prohibited, adding that the Defense Ministry must take all measures necessary to neutralize such threats.
Previous incidents and European response
Earlier in October, unidentified drones overflew the Belgian Elsenborn military camp, near the German border. The European Union plans to establish a drone defense “wall” by 2027, after a series of incursions into European airspace.
NATO’s response to 20 Russian drones entering Polish airspace in September highlighted European gaps in drone defense capabilities. Intercepting three drones required expensive missiles, underlining the need for a more efficient system.
The EU intends to leverage Ukraine’s experience with drones and anti-drone interceptors, developed since the Russian invasion in February 2022. Ukraine, with a unique European industry for drones and drone interceptors, has pledged to provide assistance in implementing the new system.