UK Sends Troops to Belgium as Drone Incursions Stir Fears of Moscow’s Hybrid War
The United Kingdom has deployed military personnel and anti-drone systems to Belgium following a string of drone incursions.
The Gaze reports this, referring to the BBC.
The move comes after Belgian authorities reported multiple drone sightings in recent weeks, raising fears of foreign surveillance or hybrid attacks.
On November 9, three unmanned aerial vehicles were detected over the Doel plant, according to Deutsche Welle. The facility’s operator, the energy company Engie, said the incident did not affect operations or safety systems but acknowledged an ongoing security review.
Speaking on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, the UK’s Chief of the Defence Staff, Sir Richard Knighton, confirmed that Britain had sent both troops and equipment at Belgium’s request “to strengthen its defenses against drone activity.”
“The lesson from Ukraine is clear: hybrid threats move fast, and our deterrence must be faster,” said Sir Richard. “As hybrid threats grow, our strength lies in our alliances and our collective resolve to defend, deter and protect our critical infrastructure and airspace.”
He noted that while conclusive evidence is lacking, “it remains plausible these operations are directed or inspired by Moscow.”
The British deployment follows similar assistance from Germany and France, as NATO allies coordinate responses to a surge in unidentified drone flights across European airspace.
Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken thanked “British friends” for the rapid response, describing the measure as “a clear act of allied solidarity.”
He emphasized that Belgium’s armed forces are now authorized to neutralize any unauthorized drones flying over military installations or sensitive sites.
The latest incidents extend a pattern of suspicious aerial activity targeting NATO territories. In early October, 15 unidentified drones were spotted above Belgium’s Elsenborn training base near the German border.
Later in the month, several were detected over military facilities in the Marche-en-Famenne commune. Belgian intelligence suspects the drones may have been conducting reconnaissance to locate F-16 aircraft, ammunition depots, and other strategic assets.
Although Russia has denied any involvement, European security officials increasingly describe these incursions as part of a broader campaign of “hybrid warfare” – a blend of cyber, information, and aerial tactics designed to test NATO defenses and sow uncertainty.
As The Gaze reported earlier, Belgian authorities are investigating the appearance of several drones over the Kleine-Brogel air base, which is used by NATO and where, according to unconfirmed reports, American nuclear weapons are stored.
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