Particle.news
Download on the App Store
4 ARTICLES
·
last mo.

Belgium Opens Eight Probes Into Drone Intrusions as Allies Send Counter-Drone Help

Prosecutors are scrutinizing unexplained flights over sensitive sites while NATO partners deploy specialist teams to bolster defenses.

ANTWERP, BELGIUM - JUNE 5: The 'Vision', a Dutch Cargo ship sails on the Scheldt river in front of the Doel nuclear power station on June 5, 2023 in Antwerp, Belgium. The Doel nuclear power plant has four pressurized water nuclear reactors (PWR), operated by ENGIE-Electrabel in the municipality of Beveren-Waas. Its four reactors were commissioned between 1975 and 1985. The Doel nuclear power plant has a total power of approximately 2900 MWe. (Photo by Thierry Monasse/Getty Images)
Suspected drones have been spotted near a number of military bases in Belgium, including Kleine-Brogel in the country's northeast
Drones overflying key military and infrastructure sites have become a regular feature of Vladimir Putin’s aggression against the West (Photo: Getty)
Drone sightings have caused air traffic to be halted at Belgium's largest airport

Overview

  • Federal prosecutors say eight investigations cover 17 incidents involving drones over airports, nuclear facilities, and military bases.
  • Recent sightings triggered halted air traffic at Brussels Airport, emergency government meetings, and increased security postures.
  • Belgium requested intelligence and technical assistance, with the United Kingdom and Germany sending equipment and personnel, and France providing anti-drone units.
  • Attribution remains unproven, and prosecutors note difficulty distinguishing illegal local flights from possible state-linked destabilization, despite reported suspicions pointing to Russia.
  • Defense minister Theo Francken is pushing an initial €50 million for counter-drone defenses as authorities move to close detection and legal gaps.