Several Drones Detected Flying Over Army Base in Belgium
(MENAFN) Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken confirmed Wednesday that several drones were detected flying over a key army base in Marche-en-Famenne on Saturday evening and again overnight, triggering heightened security alerts.
"Our guard post in Marche-en-Famenne noticed multiple drones over crucial parts of the headquarters of our army brigade on Saturday evening during an extended period. It was not the work of amateurs, but of skilled drone pilots," he wrote on U.S. social media platform X.
According to Francken, both the police and the General Intelligence and Security Service have opened an investigation into what he described as a "worrying incident" involving the base, which lies roughly 113 kilometers (70 miles) southeast of Brussels.
"Flying drones over military quarters is absolutely prohibited. We must be able to take them out of the air," he said.
Speaking to media, Francken confirmed that "there were four or five drones at the time," highlighting the area’s strategic importance. "Our main army barracks and critical infrastructure are located there."
The episode marks the third drone-related security alert near Belgian military installations in recent weeks, following earlier sightings around the Elsenborn camp in the East Cantons, the newspaper reported.
Authorities have not yet identified the operators. While speculation has pointed toward possible Russian involvement, Francken cautioned that there is no proof.
"I can say that these are actors with malicious intent. This isn't some mischievous kid flying his drone over a barracks for fun. This was a clearly orchestrated operation against the heart of our army ... They were searching for crucial information about the critical infrastructure located within the military domain," he told the paper.
The defense minister has urged an expansion of counter-drone capabilities, calling for tools such as drone nets and anti-drone shotguns. He noted that some technology is available but primarily stationed at air bases to safeguard aircraft.
The incident adds to a series of suspected drone incursions across European airspace in recent months — events that have escalated regional concerns. Russia has consistently rejected claims by European officials that it is connected to such activities.
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