Drones over a military base in Belgium are causing concern and suspicions of espionage, according to statements made by the country’s Defense Minister Theo Francken. The suspicious flying objects were spotted last weekend over the Kleine Brogel military base in the northeastern province of Limburg, which hosts American weapons, including F-16s, while F-35s are expected to be stationed there in the future.
“They come for espionage, to see where the F-16s are located, where the ammunition is, and other strategic information,” Francken told Belgian public television RTBF, adding that the flights occurred in two phases: initially with small drones testing the radio frequencies of security services, and then with larger ones that attempted to destabilize the area and personnel.
Unknown drones have been spotted in Belgium conducting surveillance on F-16s and ammunition stockpiles, according to Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken Russia is likely behind the airspace violations. pic.twitter.com/sc0sQuWnkV
— Netram Defence Review (@NetramDefence) November 3, 2025
Belgian defense minister points to Russia but maintains distance
The Belgian minister avoided naming Moscow directly, however he implied there are no other likely suspects. “The Russians try to do this in all European countries. Is it the Russians now? I cannot say, but the motives are clear and the ways in which this is done are also very clear,” he said characteristically.
The incident is part of a series of drone sightings in European airspace, as in recent weeks Russian drones have been spotted over Poland, Romania, as well as at airports in Denmark, Norway, and Germany, causing disruptions to air traffic.
Belgium: New national plan against drones
Francken announced that next week he will present a 50 million euro plan for developing a national system for drone detection and neutralization. The plan will include jamming systems and anti-drone weapons to protect critical infrastructure.
He ruled out the possibility of a prank, emphasizing that the drone operators “tested our frequency and changed it,” something that “an amateur could not do.”
Iedereen met defensiekennis zag dit aankomen. Drones en onbemande wapensystemen zijn de sleutels van elke toekomstige oorlogsvoering. Kijk naar de oorlog in Oekraïne en je weet genoeg.
De vorige paarsgroene regering weigerde er in te investeren omdat dit ‘onethisch’ zou zijn.… pic.twitter.com/xUwRr6DvMV
— Theo Francken (@FranckenTheo) November 2, 2025
Regarding why the drones were not shot down, he explained that when they fly over the base they can be shot down, but when they are nearby, there is a risk of them falling on houses or people, while there are also legal gaps that need to be clarified.
In conclusion, Belgium’s defense minister expressed disappointment: “We should have bought anti-aircraft systems for drones five or ten years ago.”
