Drones Spotted Over Kleine Brogel Air Base in Belgium
The facility hosts U.S. nuclear weapons as part of NATO’s nuclear sharing program.
EUROPE — Drones were observed over the Kleine Brogel air base in Peer, Limburg province, on October 31 and November 1. This facility hosts U.S. nuclear weapons as part of NATO’s nuclear sharing program.
Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken confirmed the observations and described them as a deliberate operation directed at the site. Police utilized a helicopter and drone jammer in response, but did not succeed in intercepting or identifying the aircraft or their operators.
These events occurred following NATO’s Steadfast Noon nuclear exercise in October, which included participation from the base.
The Kleine Brogel air base functions as a primary installation for the Belgian Air Component and maintains storage for U.S. B61 nuclear warheads. During the second night, one to three drones were detected, identified as larger models operating at elevated altitudes.
Authorities tracked one drone for several kilometers before it evaded pursuit. Photographs of the drones were obtained during the incidents. Francken suggested involvement by a state actor, with Russia identified as a principal concern in relation to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
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