Unidentified Drones Disrupt Security at Dutch Military Base

Sun Nov 23 2025 02:54:03 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Drones have been spotted hovering over Volkel Air Base in the Netherlands, prompting military responses as authorities investigate the security breach.

Unidentified drones were observed near Volkel Air Base in the Netherlands, leading to military personnel deploying weapons in an attempt to neutralize them. The drones reportedly evaded capture and have become part of a growing trend of sightings around military sites in Northern Europe. Dutch police are currently investigating the incident, amid concerns these sightings may be linked to foreign hybrid warfare tactics.

Unidentified drones have been observed hovering over a military base used by Nato in the Netherlands, the Dutch defence ministry has reported. Military personnel at Volkel Air Base, located north of Eindhoven, attempted to take down the drones between 19:00 and 21:00 local time on Friday. However, the devices managed to escape and were never captured.

The Netherlands has seen a recent increase in drone sightings near military installations and airfields, which has raised security concerns. The Dutch defence ministry did not provide further details on the incident but confirmed an investigation by local police is underway.

Volkel Air Base is strategically important, hosting both the Royal Netherlands Air Force and a US Air Force squadron as part of NATO operations. Recent reports indicate a rise in similar drone sightings over other Dutch air bases, as well as military facilities in Belgium, Denmark, and Germany.

These drone sightings have disrupted air traffic and stirred concerns over national security. Investigations have struggled due to a lack of evidence regarding the origins of the drones, with many departing shortly after their appearance.

European officials are speculating that these sightings may be indications of hybrid warfare tactics, with some nations attributing the incidents to Russian provocations. The Kremlin has denied any involvement in prior incidents despite increasing apprehension among NATO allies.

In response to these growing threats, defence ministers from ten EU countries have agreed to develop a drone wall for enhanced protection, while individual nations are also working on implementing anti-drone measures.

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