UK military personnel and equipment are being dispatched to Belgium to enhance its defense following drone incursions into its airspace, which are suspected to be linked to Russia. Sir Richard Knighton, the new head of the UK military, indicated in an interview that Belgium’s defense officials had requested assistance earlier this week.
Recent incidents included the temporary closure of Brussels Airport due to drones being spotted in the vicinity, affecting thousands of passengers and prompting considerable operational costs for Brussels Airlines, which had to cancel or divert multiple flights. The drones were also observed near military installations.
While there is speculation regarding Russia’s involvement in these drone activities, Sir Richard noted that there is no definitive evidence. Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken acknowledged the lack of direct proof but expressed that the situation has evolved from a mere concern for military bases to a significant danger affecting civilian infrastructure across Europe.
In response to Belgium’s request, the UK is collaborating with NATO allies to provide necessary resources. The German defense ministry has also offered support, particularly in anti-drone measures.
Concerns about Russian threats to Europe have been heightened since the invasion of Ukraine, and several officials have called for increased cooperation within NATO. Debate continues over the adequacy of defense spending in the UK, with recent announcements indicating plans to raise it to 2.5% of GDP by 2027.
Drone sightings linked to potential security threats have also been reported in other European countries, including Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. Despite ongoing suspicions about Russian involvement, the Kremlin has denied any connection to these events.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3dn2ep584ko?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss