UK military personnel and equipment are being sent to Belgium to help it bolster its defences after drone incursions on its airspace, suspected of being carried out by Russia.
The new head of the UK military, Sir Richard Knighton, told the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg that his Belgian counterpart asked for assistance earlier this week, and that kit and personnel were on the way.
Belgium's main airport Zavantem was forced to close temporarily on Thursday night after drones were spotted nearby. They were also seen in other locations, including a military base.
Sir Richard mentioned it was not known if the incursions were by Russia but noted it was plausible they had been ordered by Moscow. He added that the decision to aid Belgium was made alongside Defence Secretary John Healey.
About 3,000 Brussels Airlines passengers were affected by the disruptions, costing the airline considerable financial losses due to canceled or diverted flights.
The German defence ministry has also indicated it will support Belgium with anti-drone measures after a request from Brussels. Despite officials suspecting Russia's involvement, definitive evidence remains absent.
Sir Richard emphasized that Russia poses the most pressing threat to Europe, reflecting on the barbaric nature of Russia's war efforts in Ukraine. He recognized drone sightings as a serious threat to civilian infrastructure throughout Europe, driving the need for increased defence measures.
In recent months, drone incidents have caused significant flight disruptions across Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, further intensifying concerns over airspace security amidst rising geopolitical tensions.
