RAF Regiment counter-drone team sent to Belgium following apparent UAV incursion
Gunners from the RAF Regiment are being sent to Belgium in the wake of alleged Russian drone sightings in its airspace, BFBS Forces News understands.
Belgium's main airport at Zaventem had to be closed temporarily after drones were seen nearby – and UAVs were also spotted at military bases.
The deployment comes after the UK sent a specialist Royal Air Force counter-drone unit to Denmark last month to boost security following a string of suspicious drone activity.
"I spoke to my Belgian opposite number in the week and he asked if we would be prepared to support them, and the Defence Secretary and I agreed at the end of last week that we would deploy our people, our equipment, to Belgium to help them," Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, the Chief of Defence Staff, told the BBC.
"It is important to be clear, though, that we don't know – and the Belgians don't yet know the source of those drones – but we will help them by providing our kit and capability, which has already started to deploy to help Belgium."
Put to him that the British military is now aiding a European country to defend itself from suspected Russian attacks, ACM Sir Rich said: "We don't know whether they're Russian attacks, but they have had these drones which are providing disruption to their airfields and have been sighted over their military bases.
"And the UK, alongside our other 31 allies in Nato, will work to support each other, and that's why the Defence Secretary and I are very happy to see UK military personnel deployed to support Belgium."
The support is expected to be provided by specialists from the RAF Regiment's counter-drone unit, which is equipped with advanced equipment.
The unit uses state-of-the-art technology to jam and interrupt electronic signals that drones require to keep operating.
Defence Secretary John Healey said: "When our Nato allies call, we step up.
"Belgium requested urgent support to counter rogue drone activity at their military bases, so I've directed a small team of RAF specialists to deploy immediately.
"As hybrid threats grow, our strength lies in our alliances and our collective resolve to defend, deter and protect our critical infrastructure and airspace."
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