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Belgium Reports Drone Activity Above Doel Nuclear Plant as UK Deploys Military Assistance
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On Sunday, November 9, three drones were observed flying in the airspace above the Doel Nuclear Power Plant in Belgium.
This was reported by Deutsche Welle on November 10.
The event took place at the nuclear facility situated in close proximity to the city of Antwerp. A spokesperson for the power plant's operator, the energy company Engie, disclosed details of the incident late Sunday evening.
According to Deutsche Welle, the representative affirmed that the presence of the drones had no impact on the operational status or safety protocols of the facility.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom is extending military support to Belgium following a series of suspected drone incursions into Belgian airspace. The new Chief of the Defence Staff, Sir Richard Knighton, confirmed this development.
Speaking on the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg TV show on November 9, Sir Richard noted that his Belgian counterpart had formally requested assistance earlier this week, and necessary equipment and personnel are currently being dispatched.
This situation is consistent with a series of drone incursions observed over multiple NATO member states, which have resulted in the disruption of commercial air travel. The Russian Federation, however, has consistently rejected accusations that it is conducting "hybrid warfare" operations against allies of Ukraine.
Sir Richard stated that although definitive proof is lacking, it remains “plausible” that these incidents were directed by Moscow.
“As hybrid threats grow, our strength lies in our alliances and our collective resolve to defend, deter and protect our critical infrastructure and airspace,” Chief of the Defence Staff noted.
Belgium's Defense Minister, Theo Francken, publicly expressed his gratitude to “British friends” for their decision to dispatch an anti-drone team to Belgium.
According to Politico on November 9, this deployment follows similar assistance measures recently announced by both France and Germany.
Earlier, Chief of Defense Frederik Vansina announced that Belgium's armed forces are authorized to engage and neutralize (shoot down) any unidentified drones detected flying above military installations.
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