Belgium will activate a new airspace surveillance center by the end of the year in response to the growing threat from drones, Defense Minister Theo Francken announced after an emergency meeting of the National Security Council, BTA reports.
The minister did not confirm expectations that the country would request consultations under Article 4 of the Washington Treaty in connection with the incursion of drones over airports and military bases in recent days. However, he specified that he had spoken with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and expects support from allies. The government is expected to approve a budget of 50 million euros tomorrow to combat drone threats.
General Mikel van Streethem, head of the Belgian armed forces' counter-drone unit, explained that the air surveillance center has already been built, but is not yet fully completed. According to government officials, registering all drones in the country is necessary to more easily identify which devices violate legal restrictions.
Media reports indicate that Belgian security services believe the latest incidents may be linked to Russia. At the same time, the Russian embassy in Brussels categorically denies any involvement. Meanwhile, the Belgian military command has issued an order to shoot down drones of unspecified ownership if possible.