Suspicious Drone Activity Over Belgian Military Bases Raises Concerns

Fri Dec 05 2025 06:41:57 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Drones have been observed flying over several Belgian military bases, prompting an investigation by defense authorities amid suspicions of espionage.

For three consecutive nights, drones have been spotted flying over the Kleine-Brogel military base in Belgium, leading to an investigation by Defense Minister Theo Francken, who suspects espionage. Helicopter patrols were dispatched after the sightings, and similar incidents have been reported at other military sites and airports in Belgium. The increase in drone activity raises concerns about possible foreign operations, reminiscent of similar disruptions in European airspace in recent months.

Drones have been seen flying over a Belgian military base near the Dutch border for a third night, according to the country's defense minister.

A helicopter was deployed to the Kleine-Brogel base after drones were spotted - they then flew off towards the Netherlands, national broadcaster VRT reported.

Defense Minister Theo Francken stated that an investigation is underway, calling it a clear mission targeting Kleine Brogel. He mentioned on Belgian radio that the activity seemed like an espionage operation, albeit without naming potential suspects.

I have some ideas, but I'm going to be cautious, he added.

Drone sightings have also occurred over other military air bases in Belgium, including Leopoldsburg and Marche-en-Famenne. Reports indicate that drones were near coastal Ostend and Antwerp's Deurne airports over the weekend.

This uptick in drone activity follows recent incidents disrupting European airspace; for instance, operations were suspended at Germany's Munich airport due to drone sightings. Furthermore, Denmark reported professional actors were behind drone incursions over its airports.

Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen indicated that there was no evidence connecting Russia to these incursions, a sentiment echoed by the Russian embassy in Copenhagen. Similar situations in September involved NATO members Estonia and Poland engaging in discussions after Russian drones entered their airspace.

In response to these threats, the European Commission has proposed four defense projects, including a counter-drone system, aiming to prepare Europe for similar challenges by 2030.