Belgium’s defense minister said a series of unidentified drones flying over a military base reportedly housing US nuclear weapons could be part of a spy operation.
Theo Franken wrote on his X account that several drones were spotted over the Kleine-Brogel air base in northern Belgium this weekend.
“A drone jammer was used but without success. A helicopter and police vehicles chased the drone but lost it after several kilometers,” he said.
“Thanks to the guard for their attention and follow-up. Thanks to the police services. We continue to strengthen our vigilance to apprehend the pilots.”
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Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken addresses the media during the official opening ceremony of the F-35 at Florennes Air Base on October 13, 2025 in Brussels, Belgium. (Thierry Monasse/Getty Images)
Francken told RTBF, For Belgium’s French-language public broadcaster, the situation was “very worrying” and “concerning”.
The defense minister added that the incidents were being investigated, but suggested they could be part of a spy operation.
“She [the drones] Come spy, to see where the F-16s are, where the ammunition is and other very strategic items,” Francken told RTBF. “It is not a drone that happened to cross the military base. It had been there for a long time, so it was definitely for spying.”
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Kleine-Brogel is an integral part of NATO’s nuclear deterrent posture in Europe and hosts F-16 fighter jets, the website said. The air base said on its website that the jets will be replaced within a few years by the F-35A, the U.S. Air Force’s newest fifth-generation fighter.
Nuclear watchdogs have done just that reported the base as home to US nuclear bombs under NATO weapons-sharing agreements.
A Belgian F-16 aircraft takes part in the NATO-wide nuclear deterrent exercise “Steadfast Noon” at Kleine-Brogel Air Base in Belgium on October 18, 2022. (Kenzo Tribouillard/AFP via Getty Images)
In a series of airspace raids in September, Russian drones entered Poland and three MiG-31 fighter jets crossed into Estonia, prompting NATO aircraft to intercept and escort them out.
Belgium’s defense minister said he could not confirm that Russia was behind the drones over Kleine-Brogel, but noted that the Kremlin’s motives were clear and accused Moscow of waging a “hybrid war” across Europe.
President Donald Trump told reporters on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in September that NATO countries should shoot down Russian aircraft that violate their airspace.
On January 11, 2024, a “No Drone Zone” sign is displayed in central Moscow, banning the use of unmanned aerial vehicles in the area. (Natalia Kolesnikova/AFP via Getty Images)
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NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also warned Moscow after a series of drone raids that the 32-member alliance is prepared to defend every inch of NATO territory.
“We are a defensive alliance, yes, but we are not naive, so we see what happens and whether it is intentional or not. If it is not intentional, then it is.” blatant incompetence‘ he said. “And of course, even if it’s incompetence, we still have to defend ourselves.”
