California, October 6, 2025 – The Europe Today: Belgium’s Defence Minister Theo Francken has called for accelerated measures to tackle drone intrusions, describing the situation as a military crisis during an economic mission in California.
The warning comes after local police in Belgium and Germany reported multiple drones flying over the Elsenborn military training ground in Belgium’s Eastern Cantons last week. Similar incidents have been previously noted in Poland, Estonia, and Germany, causing disruptions to air traffic.
“This issue is present across Europe, so it’s no surprise Belgium is affected,” said Defence Chief General Vansina, who accompanied Francken to California. He acknowledged the disruptive impact of the drones and expressed concern over the lack of clarity regarding their origin. Nonetheless, he emphasized that NATO’s air defence systems are capable of detecting and neutralizing drones when necessary.
In response, Belgium is fast-tracking a four-pronged defence strategy initially planned for 2026. According to General Van Strythem, Belgium’s first “drone general,” incidents will now be reported and tracked more systematically. The government is also exploring partnerships with Skeyes, the Belgian airspace surveillance agency, and its subsidiary Skeyesdrones. Data from these initiatives will feed into the Beauvechain control centre, modeled after maritime information hubs.
Significantly, Belgium plans to procure counter-drone systems capable of targeting small and medium-sized drones weighing up to 600 kilograms.
“We have an action plan and a strategic vision approved by the government in July. But now we need to act faster, prioritise, and make purchases,” Francken stated, noting that a budget has been allocated, though he did not disclose further details.
For the immediate crisis, Belgium intends to acquire systems available for delivery within three months, which will be deployed primarily at military installations rather than national borders.
“In peacetime, Defence is responsible for its sites. For example, at airports, it’s the police who intervene,” General Vansina clarified.
The investigation into the Elsenborn incident remains ongoing, according to the Defence Chief.
