Belgium outlines response measures following drone incidents
Photo: Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken (Getty Images)
Following a meeting of the National Security Council, Belgium decided to strengthen the powers of the National Air Security Center (NASC) in response to drone incidents near a military base, Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken announced this, according to VRT.
Francken said that "all security services together must have a common picture of the airspace," and that the NASC should ensure this.
He added that the meeting discussed measures to counter drones. That issue is currently being finalized so it can be submitted to the government for consideration tomorrow.
"In the meantime, hostile drones must not be allowed into our territory or over our military bases. The tasks and instructions are clear: if possible, we shoot them down," the minister stressed.
Unknown drones spotted near a military base in Belgium
On the night of November 1, unknown drones were detected in Belgian airspace. They were flying over Kleine-Brogel Air Base in the town of Peer, where US nuclear weapons are stored.
Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken said the drones were spying on fighter jets and munitions.
Belgian Army Chief of Staff Frederik Vansina ordered soldiers to shoot down suspicious drones, but only if it can be done safely — meaning "without collateral damage."
On the evening of November 4, unknown drones were again spotted near Kleine-Brogel Air Base in Belgium.
Belgian intelligence services believe that a foreign state — most likely Russia — is behind the series of drone incidents that disrupted air traffic and military operations.
Today, November 6, Belgium held an emergency meeting of the National Security Council in response to the drone incidents.
