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UK Deploys Military Aid to Belgium Amid Suspected Russian Drone Threats
Britain is sending military personnel and equipment to Belgium following a series of suspected Russian drone incursions into its airspace, the UK's new Chief of the Defence Staff, Sir Richard Knighton, confirmed Sunday.
Speaking on the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Sir Richard revealed that Belgium formally requested assistance earlier this week. The UK's response includes deploying members of the RAF's 2 Force Protection Wing, alongside specialized anti-drone systems.
Airspace Disruptions and Broader NATO Response
Brussels Airport was temporarily shut down Thursday night after drones were detected near the facility, forcing the cancellation or diversion of dozens of flights. Brussels Airlines reported that around 3,000 passengers were affected, with the carrier facing "considerable costs" from the disruption. Drones were also spotted near a Belgian military base.
The incident follows a pattern of similar incursions across NATO nations, including Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Germany-all of which have supported Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. While Moscow has denied involvement, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and Belgian security services have publicly suggested Russian responsibility, though Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken acknowledged there remains "no evidence" to confirm this.
"At first, drones flying over our military bases were seen as our problem. Now it has become a serious threat affecting civilian infrastructure across multiple European countries."
Theo Francken, Belgian Defence Minister
UK's Stance on Hybrid Warfare and Defence Spending
Sir Richard described Russia as "the most pressing threat right now" to Europe, citing its "barbaric" invasion of Ukraine and a history of hybrid warfare tactics, including sabotage and targeted killings on UK soil. He emphasized the need for strengthened defences against such threats, noting that hybrid warfare blends military and non-military tactics to disrupt critical infrastructure.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey echoed this sentiment, stating, "As hybrid threats grow, our strength lies in our alliances and our collective resolve to defend, deter, and protect our critical infrastructure and airspace." The UK's deployment aligns with broader NATO efforts, including recent RAF Typhoon jet missions over Poland to reinforce the alliance's eastern flank.
Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge supported the decision to aid Belgium but criticized the government's timeline for increasing defence spending. While the UK plans to raise defence expenditure to 2.5% of GDP by April 2027-with ambitions to reach 3%-Cartlidge argued that "more urgency" is needed given the "heightened threat environment." Sir Richard, however, described the current funding as "more than I've ever known in my career."
Broader Context: Russia's Denials and EU Tensions
Russia has consistently denied accusations of orchestrating drone incursions or hybrid attacks, including recent claims of intentional airspace violations by fighter jets and larger drones in Eastern Europe. The Kremlin has dismissed these allegations as baseless.
German Defence Minister Pistorius speculated that the latest drone sightings could be linked to ongoing EU discussions about repurposing frozen Russian assets-estimated at €140 billion-to fund a loan for Ukraine. The proposal has drawn sharp criticism from Moscow, which has warned of retaliatory measures if the plan moves forward.
What's Next
The UK's deployment to Belgium is expected to include anti-drone technology and personnel, though specific details remain undisclosed. NATO allies continue to coordinate responses, with Germany also pledging support to Brussels. Belgian authorities have indicated they will enhance monitoring of civilian and military airspace in the coming weeks.
