Belgium’s Defence Minister Theo Francken warned of a possible espionage plot after unidentified drones infiltrated airspace near the Kleine Brogel Air Base, a site hosting US nuclear weapons, exposing major security and surveillance concerns.
Belgium’s Defence Minister Theo Francken raised concerns over the alarming unidentified drone incursions near the Kleine Brogel Air Base in northeast Belgium which is known to store US nuclear weapons. Defence Minister Theo Francken confirmed the news and disclosed that multiple drones breached restricted airspace on the night of Saturday and Sunday.
The drones were suggested as orchestrated espionage rather than a casual intrusion for routine purposes. The drones were seen as a part of the spying operation on the EU.
Two-phased operation
Talking to the public broadcaster RTBF, Francken said that the drone activity appeared coordinated. The first wave consisted of small reconnaissance drones deployed to probe and analyse the radio frequencies. The second was followed by larger and more advanced drones which aimed to destabilise the area and people.
“It resembles a spy operation. By whom, I don’t know. I have a few ideas but I’m going to be careful” about speculating, he said.
Rising pattern across Europe
Europe has already witnessed similar mysterious drone flights over military zones in recent months. Meanwhile Russia has faced accusations of airspace violations notably in Estonia and Poland. However, no direct links have been established.
Following the aerial incursions at Berlin’s Brandenburg airport on Friday suspended flights for nearly two hours. It was not clear who was responsible.
Francken said that the security services’ “jammer didn’t work because they tested our radio frequency, and they changed frequency. They have their own frequencies. An amateur doesn’t know how to do that.”
Operators employed military grade frequency hopping systems, rendering standard countermeasures ineffective.
Despite authorization to neutralize drones directly over military property, Francken explained that the rules of engagement are restrictive when drones fly near—rather than above—the base. “We must be cautious. Shooting one down outside the perimeter could endanger civilians or property,” he said.
(With inputs from Reuters)
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