UK Bolsters Belgium's Defense Amid Suspected Drone Threats

Fri Dec 05 2025 04:23:02 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The UK is ramping up military support for Belgium in response to suspected Russian drone incursions, enhancing NATO's defensive measures across Europe.

After a series of suspected Russian drone incursions over Belgium, the UK has pledged military support to bolster defenses. Belgian authorities requested assistance following drone sightings near Brussels Airport and military bases. Top defense officials express concerns about rising hybrid threats and the implications for air safety in European airspace. The situation underscores escalating tensions in the region amid ongoing hostilities involving Russia and Ukraine.

Britain is providing military support to Belgium after a series of suspected Russian drone incursions into its airspace, the new chief of the defence staff has said.

Sir Richard Knighton told the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg that his Belgian counterpart had asked for assistance earlier this week and that equipment and personnel were now on the way.

Brussels Airport was forced to close temporarily on Thursday night after drones were spotted nearby. They were also seen in other locations, including a military base.

It follows a series of drone incursions over several NATO nations that disrupted air travel. Russia has denied accusations of conducting hybrid warfare on allies of Ukraine.

Sir Richard said it was not known for sure if the incursions were by Russia, but that it was plausible they had been ordered by Moscow.

Defence Secretary John Healey stated, As hybrid threats grow, our strength lies in our alliances and our collective resolve to defend, deter and protect our critical infrastructure and airspace.

Members of the RAF's 2 Force Protection Wing are likely to be deployed, the BBC understands.

Alongside NATO allies, Sir Richard added that the UK would help Belgium by providing our kit and capability. The German defence ministry said on Friday that it too would support Belgium with anti-drone measures after a request from Brussels.

About 3,000 Brussels Airlines passengers were affected by Thursday's disruption, with the carrier stating it faced considerable costs from cancelling or diverting dozens of flights.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and the Belgian security services have expressed suspicions that Russia is behind the incursions, although Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken previously noted there was no evidence to suggest this.

Sir Richard emphasized that Russia is seen as the most pressing threat to Europe, stating, The illegal invasion of Ukraine has shown the barbaric nature of Russia's war efforts. He pointed to ongoing hybrid warfare as an area where the UK needs to strengthen its defenses.

The illegal invasion of Ukraine by Russia has fueled fears of hybrid threats across Europe. The UK has recently sent RAF Typhoon jets to support NATO mission over Poland in response to numerous airspace incursions.