Belgium has faced growing concerns over the increasing presence of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) near sensitive facilities, including airports and military bases. Despite having its own anti-drone unit, the National Police has not deployed it during recent incidents, instead seeking assistance from NATO allies to address what it calls a ‘hybrid threat.’ The situation has sparked questions about the country’s preparedness and coordination in dealing with drone-related security challenges.
The C-UAS unit, established four years ago, is designed to combat drones that pose risks to public safety. It consists of 30 officers equipped with tools like detection antennas, jammers, and net launchers. However, these tools have not been used during recent UAV incidents, including those at Zaventem Airport and near Liege Airport. This has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the unit and whether there is a lack of awareness among police personnel about its capabilities.
Defense Minister Theo Francken recently announced that the UK had sent a specialized anti-drone unit to Belgium, while also requesting support from Germany and France. According to internal sources, the C-UAS unit is struggling with outdated equipment that may not be effective against modern 5G-enabled drones. Officers have also noted that the unit’s members have other responsibilities, limiting their ability to provide continuous monitoring at critical locations.
Belgian authorities have not provided detailed comments on their resource allocation or specific actions, further fueling speculation about the unit’s readiness. Meanwhile, several Western officials have accused Russia of violating EU airspace with aircraft and drones, calling the actions part of a ‘hybrid war.’ The Kremlin has denied these accusations, branding them as ‘hysteria.’ The issue of unauthorized drone flights has been reported to be on the rise in Belgium, with air traffic controllers noting over 31,000 unauthorized drone flights near sensitive areas in 2024, highlighting the urgency of improved counter-drone measures.