The Belgian government is actively seeking to enhance its drone defense capabilities following a temporary closure of Brussels’ Zaventem airport due to drone sightings. Flights were halted on Thursday night after drones were observed near the airport and a nearby military base. Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken indicated that what was initially perceived as a localized issue at military sites has escalated into a broader concern affecting civilian infrastructure in various European nations.
In response to the emerging threat, several European allies, including the German military, have offered assistance in providing anti-drone measures. Approximately 3,000 passengers from Brussels Airlines were impacted by the airport disruptions, which resulted in flight cancellations and diversions, incurring “considerable costs” for the airline. Brussels Airlines representative Joelle Neeb noted that while EU compensation schemes do not apply in this situation, the airline is obligated to facilitate passenger travel through refunds and alternative arrangements.
The issue of drone disruptions extends beyond Belgium, with notable incidents in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark in recent months. Some officials have speculated about a connection to “hybrid warfare” allegedly orchestrated by Russia, a claim denied by the Kremlin. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has suggested a potential link between the drone sightings and discussions within the European Union regarding the use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine.
While Belgian security services also harbor suspicions about Russian involvement, Francken acknowledged the lack of definitive evidence to corroborate these claims. Amidst ongoing tensions and heightened scrutiny of airspace integrity, there remains no public proof directly implicating Russia in these drone-related disruptions.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8r04ld1gz2o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss