UK Military to Assist Belgium Amid Drone Threat

Sun Nov 09 2025 15:14:04 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In response to recent drone incursions in Belgian airspace, the UK military is deploying personnel and equipment to support Belgium's defense efforts amid suspicions of Russian involvement.

Following a series of drone sightings that temporarily shut down Brussels' Zavantem Airport and raised security concerns, the UK's military is stepping in to aid Belgium. Sir Richard Knighton confirmed the deployment of resources after a formal request from Belgium's military, highlighting potential links to Russian activities. Officials express worries over the evolving nature of drone threats affecting both military and civilian infrastructures across Europe.

UK military personnel and equipment are being sent to Belgium to help it bolster its defences after drone incursions on its airspace, suspected of being carried out by Russia.

The new head of the UK military, Sir Richard Knighton, told the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg that his Belgian counterpart asked for assistance earlier this week and that kit and personnel were on the way.

Belgium's main airport Zavantem was forced to close temporarily on Thursday night after drones were spotted nearby. They were also spotted in other locations, including a military base.

Sir Richard said it was not known if the incursions were by Russia, but added it was plausible they had been ordered by Moscow.

He added that the decision to aid Belgium had been made alongside Defence Secretary John Healey.

Alongside Nato allies, he added that the UK would help Belgium by providing our kit and capability which he said was already being deployed. On Friday the German defence ministry said it would support Belgium with anti-drone measures after a request from Brussels.

About 3,000 Brussels Airlines passengers were affected by the disruption, and the carrier said it faced considerable costs from cancelling or diverting dozens of flights.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and the Belgian security services have said they suspect Russia, but Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken has previously admitted there is no accompanying evidence.

At first, drones flying over our military bases were seen as our problem, Francken said earlier this week. Now it has become a serious threat affecting civilian infrastructure across multiple European countries..

More broadly, Sir Richard said Russia was the most pressing threat right now to Europe. He added that the illegal invasion of Ukraine has shown the barbaric nature of Russia's war efforts.

In recent months, a number of drone sightings have caused major flight disruptions across Europe, including in Sweden, Norway and Denmark. Despite some officials blaming hybrid warfare by Russia, the Kremlin has denied any involvement.

Pistorious has suggested the latest sightings could be linked to European Union discussions to use frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine in the form of a €140bn loan.