Belgium calls in foreign forces to counter mysterious drone incursions

Belgium has enlisted help from foreign military teams, including units from France, Germany and the United Kingdom, to combat a series of drone incursions near airports, military sites and a nuclear facility that officials say resemble Russian interference tactics.

Drone activity recently shut down Brussels Airport for several hours and caused temporary disruptions at Liège Airport and a nearby airbase. Belgian authorities have not attributed the incidents to any specific actor but acknowledged that the operations appear “highly coordinated.”

“We’re not saying it’s Russia. We’re saying it looks like Russia,” a Belgian official told reporters anonymously.

Russia’s embassy in Brussels denied involvement, insisting Moscow has “neither motive nor interest” in such actions.

Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken said speculation of Russian involvement stems partly from tensions over frozen Russian assets at Euroclear, the Brussels-based securities depository. The EU has proposed redirecting those funds to support Ukraine — a move that Moscow has vowed to answer with a “painful response.”

Around 20 British Royal Air Force specialists are assisting with anti-drone systems capable of jamming control signals. “We don’t know the source of those drones, but we will help Belgium with our kit and expertise,” said Air Chief Marshal Richard Knighton, head of the UK Armed Forces.

Some of the drones observed were reportedly large and flying in formation, suggesting operation by trained personnel. In response, the Belgian government has approved €50 million for new detection and neutralisation systems, though deployment timelines remain unclear.