UK Steps Up Support for Belgium Amid Russian Drone Intrusions

Sat Dec 06 2025 22:45:18 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In response to suspected incursions by Russian drones, the UK is increasing military assistance to Belgium, signaling heightened tensions in European airspace.

The UK is providing military support to Belgium after a series of suspected Russian drone incursions. This decision follows a request for assistance from the Belgian defense forces and comes as Brussels Airport temporarily shut down due to drone sightings. The UK military, along with NATO allies, will deploy personnel and equipment to bolster Belgium's defenses, highlighting the growing concerns about hybrid warfare and airspace security in Europe.

Britain is providing military support to Belgium after a series of suspected Russian drone incursions into its airspace, the new chief of the defence staff has said.

Sir Richard Knighton told the BBC on Sunday that his Belgian counterpart had asked for assistance earlier this week and that equipment and personnel were on the way.

Brussels Airport was forced to close temporarily on Thursday night after drones were spotted nearby. They were also seen in other locations, including a military base.

This follows a series of drone incursions over several NATO nations that disrupted air travel. Russia has denied accusations of conducting hybrid warfare against allies of Ukraine.

Sir Richard stated that, while it isn't confirmed that the incursions were initiated by Russia, it is plausible they were ordered by Moscow. Defence Secretary John Healey highlighted the importance of alliances in facing hybrid threats.

Members of the RAF's 2 Force Protection Wing are expected to be deployed, with the UK assisting Belgium by providing military capability. The German Defence Ministry also announced support with anti-drone measures following a request from Brussels.

This disruption affected around 3,000 Brussels Airlines passengers, with the airline facing significant costs due to cancellation or diversion of flights.

The Belgian Defence Minister previously mentioned that, while the focus was initially on military installations, the issue has escalated to threaten civilian infrastructure across Europe.

Sir Richard emphasized that Russia remains the most pressing threat to Europe, exacerbated by the ongoing invasion of Ukraine, which has revealed the aggressiveness of Russia's military strategies.

The incursions into Belgian airspace come in the wake of similar incidents in several EU member states, prompting NATO and European nations to strengthen their air defense capabilities against potential hybrid warfare tactics.