Belgian military officials have taken decisive action in response to a notable increase in suspicious drone activity over various military installations, including the critically important Kleine-Brogel airbase. Army chief Frederik Vansina has announced that troops are now authorized to shoot down unidentified aerial vehicles, provided they can do so without risking collateral damage. This development comes as a direct reaction to a troubling trend of incursions by drones in restricted airspace.
Vansina explained that the decision was necessitated by the recent surge in unidentified drones hovering around strategic sites, from airbases to ammunition depots. Alarmingly, many drones reportedly evade interception efforts, vanishing before military units can respond.
As reports of drone sightings near military facilities increase, both defense officials and local residents have expressed growing concern. In communities surrounding the Kleine-Brogel base, individuals have reported observing small drones operating above farmland, particularly during dusk hours. Some witnesses noted that these drones appeared to be equipped with cameras or lights, which briefly lit up before the devices disappeared.
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant, encouraging civilians to report any drone activities immediately and to document their sightings if feasible. Investigations are exploring the possibility that some of these drone flights may involve individuals engaging in reconnaissance as hobbyists or activists, while there is also speculation about foreign entities testing Belgium’s military defenses.
The challenge of neutralizing these drone threats is heightened by Belgium’s limited anti-drone capabilities. To address this issue, the Ministry of Defense is prioritizing the acquisition of advanced counter-drone technology. This includes the deployment of specialized “anti-drone shotguns,” innovative equipment developed by FN Herstal, which is collaborating with HENSOLDT on a bid for a long-term counter-unmanned aerial vehicle system.
In addition to these countermeasures, a forthcoming defense package worth 50 million euros (approximately $57.5 million) is set to be unveiled by Defense Minister Theo Francken. This comprehensive initiative aims to enhance detection and jamming capabilities across the nation’s military infrastructure, further bolstering Belgium’s ability to secure its airspace against unauthorized incursions.
