Overview
- Defense Minister Theo Francken said three large, high-flying drones were detected over Kleine Brogel on the night of Oct. 31.
- A police helicopter, ground units and a jammer could not stop or retain contact with the UAVs, which were lost after several kilometers.
- Police and military intelligence are investigating, with government ministers set to review the incidents this week alongside a €50 million counter‑UAS package.
- Francken said the drones were spying on F-16s, ammunition and other sensitive assets, while officials have made no public attribution.
- Reports also noted sightings near Belgian airports as Europe confronts similar incursions, and Kleine Brogel’s strategic role includes widely reported U.S. nuclear weapons and incoming F‑35s from 2027.