British military personnel and equipment are being deployed to Belgium to help strengthen its defenses following a series of drone intrusions into Belgian airspace, suspected to have been carried out by Russia.
The UK’s new Chief of the Defence Staff, Sir Richard Knighton, told the BBC program “Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg” that his Belgian counterpart requested assistance earlier this week and that British personnel and equipment are already en route.
Belgium’s main airport, Zaventem, was temporarily closed on Thursday evening after drones were spotted nearby. Similar incidents were also reported near a military base and other locations.
Sir Richard said it is not yet confirmed whether Russia was behind the incursions, but noted it was “credible” to believe they were ordered by Moscow.
Alongside other NATO allies, he added that the United Kingdom will assist Belgium by providing equipment and capabilities, which are already being deployed. On Friday, Germany’s Defense Ministry also announced that it would support Belgium with anti-drone measures following a request from Brussels.
In recent months, multiple drone sightings have disrupted flights across Europe, including in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark.
