US EditionDrone Intrusions: Belgium's Heightened Military Concerns
The second drone sighting at the base follows a surge in unexplained incursions across Europe, fueling NATO security concerns amid suspicions of Russian hybrid warfare.
- Late on Nov. 1, Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken said a drone was spotted over the Kleine Brogel Air Base for the second time in less than 24 hours.
- Amid a surge in sightings across Europe, the incident follows allied forces shooting down two drones near a southern Estonia base on Oct. 17, raising fears of Russian involvement.
- A police helicopter gave chase but failed to intercept the second drone, authorities said images were captured and the investigation is ongoing.
- The base is widely believed to host U.S. nuclear weapons and will house F-35 fighter jets beginning in 2027, prompting calls for stronger responses to incursions.
- Reports in recent months show intensified sightings disrupting air traffic across Europe and forcing a temporary diversion at Berlin's Brandenburg Airport on Oct. 31 after NATO airspace violations.
44 Articles
44 Articles
Drone Intrusions: Belgium's Heightened Military Concerns
Drone Intrusions: Belgium's Heightened Military Concerns Belgian police are probing a series of drone sightings over military facilities, as Defense Minister Theo Francken confirmed the concerning incidents on Sunday. The latest sighting occurred at the Kleine Brogel air base, where police and a helicopter failed in their pursuit, and a drone jammer could not intercept it.Minister Francken emphasized that these overflights were not random but ap…
Unknown people have drones flying specifically across the military airfield Kleine-Brogel, where a NATO exercise took place recently. Belgium uses a jammer – but the drones continue to fly.
Drones were sighted again over the Kleine-Brogel base the night of Sunday. Belgium's Minister of Defense announced this. According to reports, US nuclear weapons are being stored there.
The Kyiv Independent
UpstractDrones spotted over military base in Belgium for second time in 24 hours
The Kleine Brogel Air Base is widely believed to be the host to various U.S. nuclear weapons under NATO’s nuclear sharing arrangements. The base is also set to serve as the home to F-35 fighter jets beginning in 2027, Belga News Agency reported.
The Belgian Defense Minister, Theo Francken, confirmed this Saturday the sighting on Friday night of several drones flying over the military base of Kleine-Brogel, used by NATO."Several drones have been sighted over Kleine Brogel. The detection system works. Thanks to the guards for their surveillance and for the images taken. The investigation continues," said Francken in a message posted on his account on social network X. The minister will me…
Jens Franssen, a defense expert at VRT NWS, finds the sighting of drones at the Kleine-Brogel military base "incomprehensible." According to Franssen, Kleine-Brogel is the most important base in the Netherlands, and one of the most important in Europe. This is entirely due to the American nuclear weapons stationed there.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 47% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
