What's happened
Between November 4 and 7, 2025, multiple drone sightings forced temporary shutdowns and flight cancellations at Brussels and Liège airports, Belgium’s main international hubs. The incidents followed weekend drone incursions near the Kleine-Brogel military base, where U.S. nuclear weapons are stored. Defense Minister Theo Francken described the drone activity as a coordinated spying operation testing Belgian security systems. Belgium plans to enhance airspace monitoring by January 2026 amid rising European drone threats.
What's behind the headline?
Rising Drone Threats Expose European Vulnerabilities
The recent drone incursions over Belgian airports and military bases reveal significant gaps in European airspace security. The drones’ ability to evade jammers and pursue complex flight patterns indicates sophisticated operators, likely state-backed, aiming to gather intelligence and destabilize.
Strategic Targeting of Sensitive Sites
Kleine-Brogel’s role as a NATO base housing U.S. nuclear weapons makes it a high-value target. The two-phase drone operation—testing radio frequencies followed by larger drones—demonstrates a calculated espionage effort rather than amateur activity.
Implications for NATO and European Security
These events underscore NATO’s urgent need to upgrade counter-drone capabilities. Belgium’s proposed $58 million immediate investment and longer-term $580 million plan reflect a broader European push to close defense gaps exposed by hybrid threats.
Broader Geopolitical Context
While Belgium has not officially named the perpetrators, European officials widely suspect Russian involvement as part of hybrid warfare to pressure NATO without direct conflict. The drone disruptions also intersect with political tensions over frozen Russian assets in Belgium, adding complexity to the security landscape.
Forecast and Impact
Expect increased investment in drone detection and neutralization technologies across Europe. Airspace disruptions will likely continue until robust defenses are operational. Civilians and businesses should anticipate ongoing flight delays at key airports. The incidents highlight the evolving nature of modern warfare, where low-cost drones can challenge traditional military and civilian infrastructure.
What the papers say
Lorne Cook of The Independent details how drone sightings forced multiple flight suspensions at Brussels and Liège airports, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of these disruptions and linking them to weekend incursions near the Kleine-Brogel base. Erin Hale at Al Jazeera highlights the operational challenges, noting that drones evaded jammers and police pursuit, and situates the incidents within a wider European pattern of drone threats, with Denmark’s intelligence attributing similar events to Russia.
Business Insider UK provides insight into Belgium’s defense response, quoting Defense Minister Theo Francken’s call for urgent investment in counter-drone systems and describing the drones’ sophisticated tactics, including frequency hopping to evade jammers. Reuters’ Kate Abnett reports on government investigations and NATO’s heightened alert status, underscoring the legal and operational challenges Belgium faces in responding to drone incursions.
Coverage from AP News and The Independent on earlier drone disruptions at Berlin Brandenburg Airport and other European airports contextualizes Belgium’s experience within a broader continental security concern. Politico’s Laura Kayali quotes Francken describing the drones’ mission as intelligence gathering on strategic military assets.
Together, these sources paint a picture of a coordinated, escalating drone threat challenging European airspace security, with Belgium at the forefront due to its strategic military installations and political significance within the EU and NATO.
How we got here
Since late September 2025, Europe has experienced a surge in unidentified drone flights near airports and military bases, causing operational disruptions. Belgium’s Kleine-Brogel air base, hosting NATO assets and U.S. nuclear weapons, has been repeatedly targeted. These incidents coincide with broader concerns over Russian hybrid warfare tactics involving drones across NATO countries, prompting calls for improved air defense systems.
Go deeper
- Who is suspected of operating the drones over Belgium?
- What measures is Belgium taking to prevent future drone incursions?
- How are other European countries responding to similar drone threats?
Common question
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Are Drone Attacks Increasing in Europe?
Recent drone sightings over military bases and airports across Europe have raised alarms about a potential surge in drone attacks. With incidents at NATO sites and major airports disrupting flights, many are wondering if this is part of a larger pattern or a new threat. What do these drone activities mean for European security, and are they increasing in frequency? Below, we explore the latest developments and what they could signify for the region's safety.
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Why Are Drones Disrupting Airports and Military Bases in Europe?
Recent drone sightings near European airports and military sites have raised serious security concerns. Incidents in Belgium, Germany, and Denmark suggest a coordinated effort to test and potentially destabilize critical infrastructure. This page explores why these drone activities are happening, what threats they pose, and how European countries are responding to this emerging challenge.
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Are Drone Spying Incidents a Sign of Rising Global Tensions?
Recent drone sightings near military bases and airports across Europe have raised alarms about increasing espionage and security threats. These incidents, involving sophisticated drones testing security systems, suggest a shift in how nations are engaging in covert operations. As tensions grow, many wonder what these drone activities mean for international stability and security. Below, we explore key questions about the implications of these drone incidents and what they reveal about current global tensions.
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What’s Causing Drone Disruptions at Belgian Airports?
Recent drone sightings near Belgian airports and military bases have raised serious concerns about airspace security. These incidents have caused flight cancellations and airport shutdowns, highlighting the growing threat of drone activity in European airspace. But what exactly is behind these disruptions, and what do they mean for future air travel safety? Below, we explore the causes, implications, and responses to this emerging threat.
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