Over the past several weeks, Brussels Airport, Liège Airport and multiple Belgian military installations have recorded a series of drone sightings that are now prompting a national-level security response. According to news reports, the National Security Council of Belgium has been convened to address the growing airspace incursions at airports and military bases.
Several incidents stand out. In early October, roughly fifteen drones were observed above the training area in Elsenborn, a military zone close to the German border. On November 4, drone sightings at Brussels Airport and Liège Airport forced temporary closures and flight cancellations as a precautionary measure.
At military installations, the intrusions are particularly concerning. Drones were seen near Kleine‑Brogel Air Base, known for hosting U.S. nuclear weapons under NATO sharing arrangements, and other sensitive sites. Belgium’s Defence Minister Theo Francken described the pattern as resembling a spy operation rather than amateur mischief.
In response to these developments, Prime Minister Bart De Wever has convened the National Security Council to examine the incidents and chart an appropriate response. Interior Minister Bernard Quintin declared that uncontrolled drone flights near airports are unacceptable and stressed the need for a coordinated national approach.
Analysts note that Belgium’s situation fits into a larger pattern of drone incursions in Europe. Countries such as Germany, Denmark, Lithuania and Norway have reported similar events, some tied to what authorities call “hybrid warfare” tactics.
The consequences of these flights are significant. Airport closures and disruptions can lead to hundreds of flights being cancelled or diverted, stranding passengers and impacting freight operations. For military installations, even minor drone penetrations may compromise security protocols, sensor systems and restricted-access zones.
As investigations continue, Belgium’s security services and air traffic authorities are under pressure to demonstrate how they will respond to drone-related threats. The upcoming National Security Council meeting is expected to set the tone for policy, potentially triggering new counter-drone systems, heightened coordination among defence agencies and regulatory reviews of airspace protections.