Belgium’s Defense Minister confirmed that several drones were spotted over a Belgian airbase this weekend, apparently monitoring military aircraft. The incidents come amid heightened European alert over airspace violations and raise concerns about potential surveillance near NATO’s strategic assets.

Drones Over Sensitive Airspace

Belgium’s Kleine-Brogel Air Base, located in Peer municipality, is known for hosting F-16 fighter jets and is rumored to store U.S. nuclear weapons. The base’s website states that it contributes fundamentally to NATO’s nuclear deterrence strategy.

Over the weekend, multiple drones were detected above the base. Belgian Minister of Defense Theo Francken told RTBF/CNN:

“They come to spy, to see where the F-16s, munitions, and other strategic assets are located.”

He added that one drone remained over the base for a “prolonged period,” and that they clearly conducted surveillance rather than casual flights.

Attempts to Intercept

Belgium authorities deployed helicopters and police vehicles to track the drones. While signal jammers were used, they were ultimately unsuccessful, and the drones were lost after several kilometers. Belgian Minister of Defense Francken emphasized that the drones did not simply fly over the base but actively monitored it.

“Drone signal jammers were used but were not effective. Helicopters and police vehicles pursued the drone for kilometers before losing it,” he said.

Broader Context in Europe

The sightings occur amid a broader pattern of airspace violations and drone incursions across NATO countries. Francken noted that Russia has “tried to do this across Europe,” although he stopped short of directly blaming Moscow.

Earlier reports from Belgium indicated drones flying over the Elsenborn military base toward the German border. Similarly, Lithuania’s Foreign Ministry recently closed its border with Belarus due to repeated airspace violations.

Investigation and Warnings

Francken clarified that flying drones over military areas is strictly prohibited. The latest incidents at Kleine-Brogel have prompted an official investigation, reinforcing Europe’s heightened alert to unauthorized drones in sensitive military zones.