Britain is providing military support to Belgium following a series of suspected Russian drone incursions into Belgian airspace, according to Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, the Chief of the Defence Staff.
Knighton told the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg that his Belgian counterpart requested assistance earlier this week and that British equipment and personnel are now en route.
Brussels Airport was forced to close temporarily on Thursday night after drones were spotted nearby. Additional sightings occurred at other locations, including a military base.
The incidents come amid a wave of drone incursions across several NATO nations, disrupting air travel. Russia has denied accusations of conducting “hybrid warfare” against Ukraine’s allies.
Knighton said it is not confirmed that Russia was behind the incursions, but added it was “plausible” they were ordered by Moscow.
Members of the RAF’s 2 Force Protection Wing are expected to deploy, the BBC reports.
Working alongside NATO allies, Knighton said the UK would assist Belgium “by providing our kit and capability.” Germany’s defense ministry announced Friday it would also support Belgium with anti-drone measures following Brussels’ request.
About 3,000 Brussels Airlines passengers were affected by Thursday’s disruption, with the carrier citing “considerable costs” from canceling or diverting dozens of flights.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and Belgian security services suspect Russia may be behind the incursions, though Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken previously said there was no evidence to confirm this.
“At first, drones flying over our military bases were seen as our problem,” Francken said earlier this week.
“Now it has become a serious threat affecting civilian infrastructure across multiple European countries.”
The Belgian airspace breach follows similar incursions in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Germany – all NATO allies supporting Ukraine. While suspicions point to Russia, officials have not presented evidence, and the Kremlin denies involvement.
Recent Russian airspace violations in Eastern Europe involving fighter jets and attack drones have fueled concerns, though Moscow claims these were unintentional.
The UK recently deployed RAF Typhoon jets for defense missions over Poland as part of NATO’s effort to reinforce its eastern flank.
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