Britain is providing military support to Belgium after a series of suspected Russian drone incursions into its airspace, the new chief of the defense staff has said. Sir Richard Knighton told the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg that his Belgian counterpart had asked for assistance earlier this week and that equipment and personnel were now on the way.
Brussels Airport was forced to close temporarily on Thursday night after drones were spotted nearby. They were also seen in other locations, including a military base.
It follows a series of drone incursions over several NATO nations that disrupted air travel. Russia has denied accusations of conducting 'hybrid warfare' on allies of Ukraine.
Sir Richard said it was not known for sure if the incursions were by Russia, but that it was 'plausible' they had been ordered by Moscow. Defense Secretary John Healey stated, 'As hybrid threats grow, our strength lies in our alliances and our collective resolve to defend, deter and protect our critical infrastructure and airspace.'
Members of the RAF's 2 Force Protection Wing are likely to be deployed, the BBC understands. Alongside NATO allies, Sir Richard added that the UK would help Belgium 'by providing our kit and capability.' The German defense ministry said on Friday that it too would support Belgium with anti-drone measures after a request from Brussels.
About 3,000 Brussels Airlines passengers were affected by Thursday's disruption, with the carrier noting 'considerable costs' from cancelling or diverting many flights.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and the Belgian security services have indicated suspicions of Russia's involvement in the incursions, although Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken has remarked there is no direct evidence to suggest this. He emphasized that initial concerns regarding drones flying over military bases have escalated into a serious threat affecting civilian infrastructure across multiple European countries.
Sir Richard characterized Russia as the 'most pressing threat right now' to Europe, labeling the ongoing invasion of Ukraine as demonstrating the 'barbaric nature of Russia's war efforts.' He underscored the need for the UK to enhance its defenses against hybrid warfare tactics, while also addressing the increasing threats to civilian infrastructures.
As incidents of drone incursions rise across Europe, with similar reports from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Germany, the UK has bolstered its military presence in the region, deploying RAF Typhoon jets to partake in defense missions over Poland.
This heightened state of military readiness underscores the urgent nature of the threats posed by ongoing conflicts in Eastern Europe, particularly as EU discussions escalate regarding the financial support to Ukraine amidst ongoing sanctions against Russia.
Brussels Airport was forced to close temporarily on Thursday night after drones were spotted nearby. They were also seen in other locations, including a military base.
It follows a series of drone incursions over several NATO nations that disrupted air travel. Russia has denied accusations of conducting 'hybrid warfare' on allies of Ukraine.
Sir Richard said it was not known for sure if the incursions were by Russia, but that it was 'plausible' they had been ordered by Moscow. Defense Secretary John Healey stated, 'As hybrid threats grow, our strength lies in our alliances and our collective resolve to defend, deter and protect our critical infrastructure and airspace.'
Members of the RAF's 2 Force Protection Wing are likely to be deployed, the BBC understands. Alongside NATO allies, Sir Richard added that the UK would help Belgium 'by providing our kit and capability.' The German defense ministry said on Friday that it too would support Belgium with anti-drone measures after a request from Brussels.
About 3,000 Brussels Airlines passengers were affected by Thursday's disruption, with the carrier noting 'considerable costs' from cancelling or diverting many flights.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and the Belgian security services have indicated suspicions of Russia's involvement in the incursions, although Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken has remarked there is no direct evidence to suggest this. He emphasized that initial concerns regarding drones flying over military bases have escalated into a serious threat affecting civilian infrastructure across multiple European countries.
Sir Richard characterized Russia as the 'most pressing threat right now' to Europe, labeling the ongoing invasion of Ukraine as demonstrating the 'barbaric nature of Russia's war efforts.' He underscored the need for the UK to enhance its defenses against hybrid warfare tactics, while also addressing the increasing threats to civilian infrastructures.
As incidents of drone incursions rise across Europe, with similar reports from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Germany, the UK has bolstered its military presence in the region, deploying RAF Typhoon jets to partake in defense missions over Poland.
This heightened state of military readiness underscores the urgent nature of the threats posed by ongoing conflicts in Eastern Europe, particularly as EU discussions escalate regarding the financial support to Ukraine amidst ongoing sanctions against Russia.
