Germany has dispatched military specialists to Belgium to assist in countering an uptick in unidentified drone sightings near critical installations, including a military air base known to house U.S. nuclear weapons. The move underscores growing concerns over hybrid threats within Europe and the readiness of NATO allies to respond.
The deployment of Luftwaffe experts comes after Belgian authorities reported a “significant increase” in drone activity since late October, prompting a direct request for German assistance. These incursions have affected sensitive military facilities and disrupted civilian air travel, raising suspicions in intelligence circles of potential state actor involvement, with Russia frequently cited.
First units of Germany’s air force have already arrived in Belgium, tasked with investigating the situation on the ground and coordinating with Belgian armed forces, according to a Bundeswehr press release. Further German forces are expected to follow, focusing on the detection and defense against small unmanned aerial vehicles.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that Germany was uniquely capable of providing “immediately and comprehensively” the necessary aid to address Belgium“s “considerable drone problem.” The initial drone sighting occurred on October 31 at the Kleine-Brogel military air base, followed by incidents near civilian airports that disrupted air travel. Kleine-Brogel is a particularly sensitive site, known to host U.S. nuclear weapons. Other affected air bases include one where Belgium’s newly delivered F-35 fighter jets are located.
Belgian authorities have indicated “little doubt“ that a state actor is behind these incursions, with Belgian media reporting that intelligence circles have named Russia as a suspect. The German defense ministry described the mission as being of “limited duration,” though specifics regarding its length or the exact units involved were not immediately provided.
The rapid deployment, Berlin emphasized, serves as proof of close cooperation within NATO and European solidarity in “dealing with hybrid threats,” highlighting a unified response to emergent security challenges.
The collaboration between Germany and Belgium reflects the evolving nature of contemporary security landscapes, where technological advancements demand agile and coordinated defensive strategies.