After a series of what appears to be Russian drones in Belgium’s airspace, Britain’s new chief of defence staff, Sir Richard Knighton, has agreed to Belgium’s request for British assistance in terms of equipment and personnel.
Britain responded promptly: help is already on the way.
Brussels Airport closed last Thursday after drones were seen in the area of the airport. This form has become familiar, with drone sightings shutting down airports all over Europe, over the past few months.
Russia persistently denies accusations of conducting “hybrid warfare” on NATO members.
Hybrid warfare involves attacks on infrastructure and institutions.
There is indeed no tangible evidence, as Sir Richard has himself stressed.
Brussels also extended its request to Germany, which also promised to provide anti-drone measures.
“At first, drones flying over our military bases were seen as our problem […] Now it has become a serious threat affecting civilian infrastructure across multiple European countries”, says Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken.
Last spring, the UK’s government announced defence spending would rise to 2.5% of GDP from April 2027, with an ambition to reach 3% in the next parliament.
This is unprecedented in recent history.
