Belgium is fast-tracking elements of its national counter-drone plan after suspicious drone flights were reported over the Elsenborn training area last week. Defence Minister Theo Francken announced on October 6 in San Francisco that measures originally scheduled for 2026 will now be deployed this year.
According to Belgian media sources, the acceleration involves tighter integration between Belgium’s Defence Ministry, Skeydrone’s national detection network and a newly established National Air Security Centre in Bevekom. By fusing civil and military air pictures, the aim is to shorten the decision window from detection to action without requiring additional spending in 2025.
The package builds on layered detection capabilities including short-range radars, passive RF sensors and EO/IR cameras, combined with data fusion at the Bevekom centre. Civil feeds from Skeydrone’s existing grid around airports, energy facilities, prisons and police zones will be cross-referenced with Defence sensors on military sites such as ranges, depots and air bases. Centralising tracks is intended to reduce false positives and speed up decisions on intent.
Belgium’s approach gives priority to non-kinetic options, including jamming, GNSS denial and protocol-based takeovers. Hard-kill measures such as interceptor drones, net launchers or very short-range air defence remain available depending on the site and threat. Quick-reaction counter-UAS teams will also be positioned for event protection with mobile jammers, cameras and radar support.
Francken has appointed Lieutenant General Michel Van Strythem as “drone general,” responsible for doctrine, training and cross-service integration. The move is designed to standardise reporting formats, strengthen cooperation, and avoid fragmented procurement across the armed forces.
The decision comes amid a wider rise in suspicious drone activity across Europe, with incidents reported over military sites, refineries and airports since late September. Belgian officials frame the response as a way to harden the national air picture against hybrid threats below the conflict threshold, in coordination with NATO partners.
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Crédit photographique : Belga News Agency
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