On 3 November 2025, Belgian Chief of Defence Gen. Frederik Vansina granted troops the authority to shoot down unidentified drones detected over military facilities after three consecutive nights of incursions. Vansina emphasized that engagements must occur only when safe and without risk to civilians, noting the challenge of neutralizing small, agile aircraft often flying at night.
Chronology of Incursions and Sensitive Bases
Drone sightings began on 3 October above the Elsenborn training area, reappeared over the King Albert base in Marche-en-Famenne on 25 October, and peaked with repeated incursions over Kleine-Brogel Air Base from 1–3 November. Kleine-Brogel’s importance—believed to store U.S. B61 nuclear bombs under NATO arrangements and to host F-35A jets from 2027—explains the escalation in defensive posture and urgency in strengthening base protection.
Existing Capabilities and Operational Gaps
Belgium’s current counter-UAS capabilities are limited, consisting mainly of detection sensors, RF jammers, and handheld “drone-guns.” Despite assistance from police helicopters, jamming efforts failed to stop some intruding drones over Kleine-Brogel. The toolkit exists, but it lacks depth and an integrated, layered defense chain.
Accelerated Procurement and Layered Defense Plan
The Belgian government is preparing a €50 million fast-track counter-UAS package for the Council of Ministers. It includes short-range systems like the Polish Piorun MANPADS and Rheinmetall’s Skyranger 30, as well as the medium-range NASAMS air defense system. A joint NASAMS acquisition with the Netherlands will strengthen the middle layer by integrating Sentinel 3D radar, electro-optical sensors, and AIM-120 AMRAAM/AMRAAM-ER interceptors.
Short-Term Recommendations and Industrial Partnerships
Priority actions include deploying compact 3D X-band radars and RF geolocation arrays around key bases, fielding Skyranger 30 and Piorun teams to establish the classic “gun-and-missile” pairing, and integrating standardized counter-UAS suites into national networks. Belgian companies such as FN Herstal and Hensoldt are collaborating under an MoU to support long-term C-UAS integration.
Civil-Military Cooperation and Public Role
The Ministry of Defence is integrating civil and military air pictures to shorten detection cycles and is coordinating with U-space providers. Civilians living near Kleine-Brogel have been encouraged to report suspicious activity and share imagery when safe to do so—human observation remains a vital early-warning element.
European Context and Advanced Technology Options
Belgium’s efforts mirror broader European trends: France’s PARADE program and HELMA-P laser projects, along with Germany’s high-energy laser demonstrators, are shaping the continent’s counter-drone landscape. In the short term, however, the priority remains deploying multi-layered, rapidly fieldable, and integrated defense systems to safeguard critical NATO infrastructure.
