Overview
- Defense Minister Theo Francken reported three sightings of larger, higher-altitude drones over Kleine Brogel on the night of Oct. 31–Nov. 1, calling it a targeted action against the base.
- Police deployed a helicopter and vehicles in pursuit and used a jammer that did not work, while investigators secured images of the unidentified drones.
- Francken said the flights sought intelligence on the location of F-16s and ammunition, though he stopped short of attributing responsibility as officials noted a familiar Russian-style modus operandi.
- A €50 million counter‑drone package is set for review by an interdepartmental group this week before presentation to the Council of Ministers, with funding for detection, jammers and drone guns.
- The incidents follow recent Belgian sightings near Marche-en-Famenne, Elsenborn and multiple airports, reflecting a wider European pattern that has prompted NATO and the EU to accelerate counter‑UAS efforts.