European defense giant on alert as drones circle secret factory in Belgium
Photo: Drones spotted over a factory producing weapons for Ukraine in Belgium (Getty Images)
European arms manufacturer Thales Belgium has reported a significant increase in the number of drones flying over its factory in the eastern region of Liège. The company stresses the need for clear rules on jamming or shooting down drones, Politico reports.
Thales Belgium reports an increase in the number of unmanned aerial vehicles flying over its facilities, in particular over the factory in Évegnée Fort in the eastern region of Liège, where the company has a license to assemble and store explosives for 70 mm rockets.
According to Thales Belgium director Alain Quevrin, there are now more drones flying over the plant than there were a few months ago.
Alain Quevrin's comments come amid numerous reports of drones in Poland, Romania, Germany, Norway, and Denmark over the past month.
Some of these drones, including military drones over Poland and Romania, were of Russian origin, while the origin of others was more difficult to identify.
In response to the increase in flights last week, Copenhagen temporarily banned drone flights, and NATO launched the Eastern Sentinel program to address gaps in the alliance's air defense.
Company asks for help
Thales says it has made significant efforts to install detection systems at its facilities and can use jammers to block drone control signals or shoot them down. However, according to Alain Quevrin, the use of such measures is not currently permitted by law.
One concern is that downed drones could fall on people or cause damage on the ground. Alain Quevrin is therefore calling on countries, including Belgium, to clearly define the response process, including the limits of responsibility for the police and companies.
"The process needs to be clarified," he said.
Quevrin also noted high demand for the company's missiles among NATO countries as the alliance seeks to strengthen its airspace defense. Most of Thales Belgium's current production is destined for Ukraine.
The missiles, manufactured at plants in Herstal and Évegnée Fort, can be used against drones. In particular, the laser-guided version is designed for larger drones flying at high altitudes, while unguided versions scatter thousands of steel balls upon detonation to destroy swarms of smaller drones at low altitudes.
Just earlier this month, we reported that 15 drones were spotted over the Belgian military base in Elsenborn, located near the border with Germany.
Shortly before that, on the evening of September 22, several unknown drones violated Danish airspace. Copenhagen Airport was closed for almost four hours.
