Defence will deploy drone to gather intelligence over the mediterranean

12 December 2025

Belgium will deploy a drone over the Mediterranean Sea next year to collect intelligence on illegal activities, including monitoring irregular migration routes and detecting arms smuggling. The plan is outlined in the 2026 Operation Plan (“Opsplan”) that defence minister Theo Francken (N-VA) presented to Parliament on Friday.

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The Opsplan details the military’s deployment priorities for the coming year. It received political approval from the core cabinet on Thursday evening, with formal validation by the Council of Ministers expected on Friday. One of the most notable elements is the first operational deployment of the MQ-9B Skyguardian drone over the Mediterranean.

Defence also intends to intensify support for partner countries in Africa, particularly in the Sahel and the Great Lakes region. The plan gives special attention to strategic interests in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Benin.

Focus on Europe’s southern border

The emphasis on Europe’s southern border aligns with the government’s broader security concerns. “The threat doesn’t stop at Europe’s borders. What happens in North Africa, the Sahel or the Middle East has a direct impact on illegal migration flows to our country,” Francken said. “That’s why we’re focusing on stability, countering extremism, and, above all, stemming the illegal migration flows that threaten our security.”

Belgium’s top international priority remains the reinforcement and deterrence of NATO’s eastern flank, unchanged since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine almost four years ago. In this context, Belgium will conduct two Air Policing missions with F-16s next year, a first. Whereas in previous years there was typically one mission, defence will now deploy two detachments of four F-16s and around 100 personnel. One mission will again be based in Iceland, while the second will take place from either Lithuania or Poland.

^{Minister of defence Theo Francken pictured during the presentation of the MQ-9B SkyGuardian remotely piloted aircraft system at the Florennes military airbase, Tuesday 23 September 2025. © BELGA PHOTO BENOIT DOPPAGNE}

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