Overview
- Belgium convened an emergency meeting of its Council of Nuclear Security and opened investigations that classify the incursion as quasi‑military.
- Defence Minister Theo Francken said armed forces and intelligence services tried to neutralize the drones but electronic warfare and helicopter pursuits failed.
- Leaked briefings describe dozens of drones, some large and flying in formation from the North Sea, overflying six military bases including Kleine‑Brogel.
- Air‑traffic authorities twice halted operations at Brussels Airport and briefly at Liège after drone sightings; Brussels Airport sits less than two kilometers from NATO headquarters.
- Belgian sources cited by national media accuse a state actor, identified as Russia, with officials also noting pressure tied to frozen Russian assets and recent cyberattacks.