Prisons to test autonomous drones for security
Belgium’s prison service is preparing to trial autonomous drones to strengthen security, with Haren prison in Brussels chosen as the pilot site.
According to tender documents seen by Le Soir, the Justice ministry wants to deploy “drone-in-a-box” systems. These are devices able to take off and land independently from a fixed station, carrying out daily aerial patrols around prison facilities.
The initial one-year contract, renewable for another year, requires drones to perform several daily missions: four perimeter checks, three yard inspections and two sweeps of staff car parks. Officials say the aim is to detect suspicious behaviour quickly through regular, responsive patrols.
The prison administration declined to give operational details, citing security concerns. A spokesperson confirmed the project aligns with Justice minister Annelies Verlinden’s policy plan to improve perimeter surveillance.
Cautious welcome
Unions have cautiously welcomed the move. Grégory Wallez of the General Union of Public Services said any measure that “reassures staff” is positive, provided it lasts beyond a short trial.
Ruben Van Lancker of the ACV-CSC union added that training officers to operate drones could be seen as a valuable skill, though he raised questions about who would take on the new responsibilities.
The need for tighter surveillance is clear. Haren prison, opened in 2022, has faced daily attempts to smuggle drugs and phones via drones or thrown parcels. Brussels mayor Philippe Close recently warned the situation was spiralling, though prison director Jurgen Van Poecke insisted routine inspections are carried out.
The technology will also be tested at Antwerp prison.
Alongside the drone project, the Justice ministry is seeking to lease 10 passive radio-frequency detection systems to spot illicit drones flying near prisons.
Haren prison © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK
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