Reuters: Belgium turns to foreign troops to fight drones

Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken said last week that there are suspicions that Russia is behind the drone incursions.

He noted that Belgium is "being closely monitored" due to the freezing of Russian assets in the Brussels-based Euroclear securities depository.

The EU has proposed using these funds to finance Ukraine. Russia, in turn, has threatened a "painful response" if this happens.

According to the agency, French and German drone defense teams have arrived in Belgium, along with 20 specialists from the UK Royal Air Force, who will be equipped with systems capable of jamming the electronic signals required for drones to operate.

"We don't know, and the Belgians don't yet know the source of those drones, but we will help them by providing our kit and capability," said Richard Knighton, head of Britain's armed forces.

Unknown drones in Belgium

On Sunday, November 9, three unidentified drones were spotted flying over the Doel nuclear power plant in Belgium.

Authorities said the incident had no impact on the plant’s operations and that relevant officials were immediately informed.

This was not the first time unidentified drones have been detected over Belgian territory.

On the night of November 1, drones were seen over the Kleine-Brogel airbase, which stores US nuclear weapons.

According to Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken, the drones were spying on fighter jets and ammunition.

On the evening of November 4, drones were again observed near the same airbase. Belgian intelligence services believe a foreign state is behind the series of incidents, most likely Russia.

In response, Belgium’s National Security Council held a meeting and decided to expand the powers of the National Air Security Center (NASC) to better respond to drone incursions.

By November 9, it was reported that the United Kingdom was urgently sending defense experts and equipment to Belgium following the recent incidents.