Drone sightings over Europe raise security concerns, Dutch ministers warn

The report of drones seen over a military site in Belgium fits a “worrying pattern” that has been visible for some time, according to caretaker Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans. The VVD minister does not want to go into more detail for now, because Belgian authorities are still investigating who is behind it. Previously, Russia was blamed when drones disrupted air traffic in Denmark.

Brekelmans declined to comment on whether additional measures are needed to secure Dutch airspace. “All kinds of drones” fly around continuously there, often for “very good reasons,” he emphasized. “And if something happens that you cannot immediately explain, we are not automatically in a military scenario or an armed conflict that requires Defense intervention.”

Foreign Minister David van Weel still urged vigilance. “Drones are available everywhere, in all shapes and sizes,” he said. “It is therefore very easy, in the context of broad warfare, to release a few of them somewhere and disrupt air traffic.” The Netherlands, for example, took this into account around the NATO summit in The Hague last June, the VVD politician added.

Minister Robert Tieman said drones are also a concern for the Ministry of Infrastructure. With their growing use for civilian purposes, Dutch airspace is expected to become much busier in the coming years, requiring new regulations. The BBB member emphasized the need to clearly distinguish between harmless and hostile drones.

Beyond the earlier drone incidents over Belgian and German military sites, there have been recent reports of drones over other key European locations. On Thursday, Munich Airport was temporarily shut down following several drone sightings, resulting in 17 flight cancellations and 15 diversions.

Switzerland’s army also bolstered its anti-drone defenses recently by purchasing systems aimed at countering micro- and mini-drones.