The UK is sending military personnel and equipment to Belgium after a series of suspected Russian drone incursions into Belgian airspace.
The move follows a request for assistance from Belgium’s defence chief earlier this week, according to the UK’s Chief of the Defence Staff, Sir Richard Knighton.
Speaking to the media, Sir Richard confirmed that Britain would help Belgium “by providing our kit and capability” alongside NATO allies.
Members of the RAF’s 2 Force Protection Wing are expected to be deployed as part of the mission.
Brussels Airport was forced to close temporarily on Thursday night after drones were detected nearby, with further sightings reported at a military base and other locations. Around 3,000 Brussels Airlines passengers were affected by the disruption, with dozens of flights cancelled or diverted.
While Russia has denied involvement, European security officials suspect the incursions could be part of Moscow’s growing hybrid warfare campaign, a mix of military and non-military tactics aimed at disrupting infrastructure and sowing instability across NATO states.
Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken said there was no concrete proof linking the drones to Russia, though German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has voiced similar suspicions. Germany has also pledged anti-drone support to Belgium.
Sir Richard described Russia as “the most pressing threat right now” to Europe, citing its invasion of Ukraine and past acts of sabotage in the UK.
Defence Secretary John Healey said the UK’s strength lay in “alliances and collective resolve to defend and deter.”
The UK’s move comes amid wider NATO efforts to counter rising hybrid threats across Europe following similar drone sightings in Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Germany.
