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 stated that while it was uncertain if the incursions were orchestrated by Russia, it was plausible that they were ordered by Moscow.
The decision to aid Belgium was made alongside Defence Secretary John Healey. Sir Richard emphasized the UK's commitment to collaborate with NATO allies, stating that they would help Belgium by providing our kit and capability, which has already begun deployment.
Following Belgium's request, Germany also announced support with anti-drone measures.
Approximately 3,000 Brussels Airlines passengers experienced disruptions, facing considerable costs due to cancelled or diverted flights.
Both German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and Belgian security services suspect Russian involvement, although Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken admitted there is no conclusive evidence.
As incidents of drones appearing over military bases were initially perceived as a domestic issue, Francken noted that they have escalated into a significant threat impacting civilian infrastructure across multiple European nations.
Sir Richard articulated that Russia represents the most pressing threat right now to Europe and highlighted the barbaric nature of Russia's actions during the illegal invasion of Ukraine.
In recent months, numerous drone sightings have caused flight disruptions across Europe, with officials attributing some to Russian hybrid warfare, while the Kremlin denies involvement.
The latest drone sightings might also be connected to EU discussions surrounding the use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine.
Although public evidence of Russian involvement remains scarce, rising tensions and airspace incursions by Russia in Eastern Europe underline the growing urgency for enhanced aerial defenses.
In response to these threats, the UK has deployed RAF Typhoon jets for defence missions over Poland as part of NATO's initiative to strengthen the eastern flank.
