Belgian security services suspect Russian involvement in drone incidents
Belgian security services believe a state actor, most likely Russia, is behind a series of recent drone incidents that disrupted air traffic and military operations, sources told Belga news agency on Wednesday.
The issue was discussed during a preparatory meeting of the National Security Council, which will convene officially on Thursday morning with prime minister Bart De Wever and federal deputy prime ministers.
Air traffic at Brussels Airport was halted twice on Tuesday evening due to drones, leading to 54 cancelled flights on Wednesday. Liège Airport also faced disruptions, while drones were reported near airbases in Kleine-Brogel, Schaffen and Florennes.
Officials point to several indicators of foreign involvement: the drones often fly in formation, operate in complete darkness, and target sensitive military sites such as Kleine-Brogel, known to host US nuclear weapons and soon to receive F-35 fighter jets. These patterns are considered beyond the capabilities of hobbyists.
Until recently, Belgium was not seen as a target for Russian hybrid threats. However, tensions have risen amid European talks about using frozen Russian assets held by Brussels-based Euroclear to support Ukraine. New discussions on the Euroclear issue are expected to take place on Friday.
”The incidents clearly point to something much bigger”
Defence minister Theo Francken (N-VA) said the incidents clearly point to “something much bigger,” describing the operation as “coordinated and deliberate” and urging swift action, including new detection and counter-drone systems.
MP Steven Matheï (CD&V) called for a taskforce on Kleine-Brogel’s security, while opposition figures urged broader political coordination. Axel Weydts (Vooruit) warned of “escalation in hybrid warfare,” and Groen’s Matti Vandemaele demanded an emergency meeting of the Home Affairs Committee.
© Nicolas TUCAT / AFP