The UK is sending military support to Belgium with personnel and equipment after Brussels requested assistance following a series of suspected Russian drone incursions.
As part of the effort, the Royal Air Force’s 2 Force Protection Wing, responsible for the training and deployment of counter-drone systems capabilities, is expected to deploy to bolster Belgium’s defenses, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton told the BBC.
The announcement comes after Brussels Airport temporarily closed last week after drones were spotted nearby, disrupting the travel of around 3,000 passengers and leading the airport to cancel or divert multiple flights. Military bases also reported incursions.
Sir Richard said it is not confirmed that the drones were Russian, but Moscow could “plausibly” be behind the activity.
According to the BBC, UK Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized the importance of alliances in responding to hybrid threats and protecting critical infrastructure.
Airspace Incursions in Europe
The announcement comes after a series of drone incursions across several NATO countries, with Russia blamed for the activity.
Earlier in November, Belgian soldiers were ordered to shoot down suspicious drones over military sites, following a rising number of reports of drone activity near Belgian facilities in recent months.
In October, NATO and the EU stepped up efforts to strengthen anti-drone defenses as Europe seeks to counter the threat from Russia following a series of airspace incursions in Poland and Estonia.
Amid these developments, NATO head Mark Rutte said the alliance is now “testing integrated systems to detect, track, and neutralize aerial threats” on its eastern flank.
