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Eindhoven Airport halts flights after drone sightings near military base
Air traffic at Eindhoven Airport in the southern Netherlands was suspended for several hours on Saturday after unidentified drones were detected near the facility, authorities confirmed. The disruption followed earlier sightings late Friday over the nearby Volkel Air Base, where Dutch and U.S. military forces are stationed as part of NATO operations.
Military response and airspace closure
Dutch defense officials attempted to intercept the drones on Friday using unspecified measures, but the devices evaded capture, according to reports. Further sightings on Saturday prompted the temporary closure of Eindhoven's airspace until approximately 23:00 local time (22:00 GMT).
Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans acknowledged that authorities had "taken measures" but declined to provide specifics, citing operational security. The airport resumed normal operations after the drones were no longer detected.
Broader pattern of drone incursions
The incident is the latest in a wave of drone sightings at military and civilian sites across northern Europe since September. Similar reports have emerged from air bases in the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, and Germany, though investigators have struggled to determine the drones' origins. In many cases, the devices disappear before they can be traced or recovered.
Accusations and denials
Some European officials have suggested the sightings could be part of a "hybrid warfare" strategy by Russia, targeting nations allied with Ukraine. The Kremlin has repeatedly denied involvement. In response to the growing threat, defense ministers from 10 EU countries recently agreed to establish a "drone wall"-a coordinated detection and defense system-while individual nations have sought to bolster anti-drone capabilities.
Volkel Air Base's strategic role
Volkel, located about 20 km from Eindhoven, serves as a hub for the Royal Netherlands Air Force and hosts a U.S. Air Force squadron under NATO's nuclear-sharing program. Authorities have refused to disclose how the drones were initially detected or what countermeasures were deployed, citing security protocols.
Investigations remain ongoing, but the lack of concrete evidence has complicated efforts to attribute responsibility.
Dutch Ministry of Defence statement
