Belgium detected multiple drones over a key airbase and reported sightings near Antwerp and Ostend airports, prompting a brief suspension of operations at Ostend. Defence Minister Théo Francken said the devices appeared to be mapping F‑16 locations and ammunition, and urged urgent investment in counter‑UAS systems.
Discovered |
Briefing
Incursions targeted military assets: Belgian officials say drones were attempting to locate F-16s and ammunition at military sites, underlining direct threats to airbase security and force protection.
Civil-military disruption: sightings near Antwerp and Ostend airports led to safety measures and a brief suspension of operations at Ostend, joining a pattern of recent European airport and airspace disruptions (see the wider wave of unidentified drone incursions over EU and NATO airspace).
Policy and capability response: Belgium's call for urgent anti-drone investment echoes recent national moves to tighten rules and authorise more robust counter-UAS actions, comparable to the UK's plans to grant military authority to shoot down drones near airbases and other allied responses to persistent UAV probes.
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• Laura Kayali