Belgium’s defense minister indicated that a sequence of unidentified aerial objects observed above a military installation, reportedly housing U.S. nuclear armaments, might signify a surveillance endeavor.
Theo Francken stated that numerous drones were sighted over the Kleine-Brogel Air Base in northern Belgium during the past weekend.
“A drone jamming device was deployed, yet it proved ineffectual… A helicopter, along with police ground units, pursued the drone, but subsequently lost its track after several kilometers,” he affirmed.
“My appreciation goes to the security personnel for their alertness and subsequent actions. Gratitude is also extended to the police departments. We are intensifying our surveillance efforts to identify and capture the operators.”
Francken conveyed to Belgium’s French-language public broadcaster that he found the circumstances “extremely concerning” and “alarming.”
The defense minister further noted that while these occurrences were subject to an ongoing inquiry, he hypothesized they might have constituted an espionage activity.
“These unmanned aerial vehicles are conducting reconnaissance, aiming to ascertain the locations of F-16s, ammunition stores, and other highly strategic assets,” Francken informed RTBF. “This was not an incidental incursion by a drone over the military facility. Its extended presence strongly implies an intent for intelligence gathering.”
Kleine-Brogel is fundamental to NATO’s nuclear deterrence stance in Europe and accommodates F-16 fighter jets, as per its official website. The air base further communicated that these jets are slated for replacement within a few years by the F-35A, which is the U.S. Air Force’s most recent fifth-generation fighter aircraft.
Nuclear monitoring organizations have categorized the base as a storage site for U.S. nuclear bombs, under NATO’s weapons sharing protocols.
During September, a sequence of airspace violations involved certain aircraft and three MiG-31 fighter jets entering Estonian territory, which necessitated NATO aircraft to intercept and accompany them out.
Belgium’s defense minister stated he was unable to verify Russia’s involvement with the drones over Kleine-Brogel, but he observed that the Kremlin’s intentions were explicit and charged Moscow with conducting a “” throughout Europe.
The head of state informed journalists in September, during the United Nations General Assembly, that NATO member nations should engage and neutralize Russian aircraft that infringe upon their airspace.
Mark Rutte similarly cautioned Moscow following a succession of drone incursions, stressing that the 32-nation alliance stands ready to protect every segment of NATO land.
“While we operate as a defensive Alliance, we are not unsophisticated; consequently, we observe unfolding events, irrespective of their deliberate nature – if unintentional, then it is ,” he remarked. “And naturally, even if it stems from inadequacy, self-defense remains a paramount necessity.”