UK Deploys Military Support to Belgium Following Airport Drone disruptions
Following recent disruptions caused by unidentified drone activity, the United kingdom is providing military equipment and personnel to Belgium at the request of Belgian authorities. Air Chief Marshal Richard Knighton confirmed the deployment to the BBC on Sunday, stating the UK aims to assist Belgium in investigating the source of the drone incursions.
The support comes after temporary closures at both Brussels Airport, Belgium’s primary international airport, and Liege Airport, one of Europe’s largest cargo hubs, within the past week. Liege Airport briefly suspended operations on Sunday evening for 30 minutes due to another drone sighting, according to Skeyes air traffic control.
These incidents occurred alongside reported drone flights near a United States military base in Belgium that stores nuclear weapons. Similar drone sightings also led to temporary airport closures in Sweden on Thursday, prompting an emergency meeting of the Belgian government to address the situation.
While the origin of the drones remains unknown,Knighton noted a pattern of “hybrid warfare” attributed to Russia in recent years. Russia has denied involvement, and no direct evidence currently links the drones to the country. Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken suggested the incidents might potentially be part of a complex “spying operation” beyond the capabilities of amateurs.
The drone activity is part of a wider trend across Europe. As September, drones have been detected near civilian airports and military installations in Denmark, Germany, and Norway. In September, Polish and NATO forces intercepted and downed drones violating Polish airspace during a Russian attack on Ukraine.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has characterized these incursions as “hybrid warfare,” suggesting a Russian aim to “sow division” within Europe, though she has not directly accused Russia of obligation.
Belgium hosts the headquarters of both NATO and the European Union, and is also home to a major financial clearinghouse holding significant frozen Russian assets – a topic of ongoing debate regarding potential use as collateral for loans to Ukraine.
