Drones Spotted Over Belgian Nuclear Plant and Airport

Security Alert: Drones Target Critical Belgian Infrastructure

Belgian authorities are investigating a series of drone incidents that have targeted critical infrastructure, including three drones spotted flying over the Doel nuclear power plant and multiple disruptions at Liège Airport. The incidents, which occurred on Sunday night, have raised significant security concerns across Europe about the vulnerability of sensitive facilities to unmanned aerial threats.

Nuclear Plant Incident

The Doel Nuclear Power Station, located near Antwerp and operated by French energy company Engie, reported three drones flying over the facility. A spokesperson for Engie confirmed to VRT that while the drones were detected, there were no consequences for the plant's operations. The Doel facility, which provides approximately 15% of Belgium's total electricity production capacity, is situated in one of Europe's most densely populated areas for nuclear power stations, with 9 million people living within a 75-kilometer radius.

'The safety of our nuclear facilities remains our absolute priority,' said an Engie representative. 'We immediately reported the incident to authorities and are cooperating fully with the investigation.'

Airport Disruptions

Earlier the same evening, Liège Airport experienced two separate drone-related incidents that forced temporary suspensions of air traffic. The airport, a major cargo hub in Belgium, halted operations for nearly an hour before resuming normal service. This follows a pattern of recent drone sightings at Belgian airports, including previous disruptions at Brussels Airport that affected thousands of passengers.

'These coordinated drone activities represent a serious challenge to our aviation security,' commented a Belgian aviation official who requested anonymity. 'We're dealing with sophisticated operations that appear designed to test our response capabilities.'

International Response

The United Kingdom has announced it will deploy Royal Air Force specialists and counter-drone technology to assist Belgian authorities. According to Defence Today, UK Chief of Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton confirmed the deployment on November 9, 2025, following an official request from Belgium.

'This demonstrates how NATO allies are working together against escalating hybrid threats,' stated UK Defence Secretary John Healey. Germany and France have also offered assistance, with Germany's Ministry of Defense confirming that the Bundeswehr is providing drone defense capabilities to Belgium.

Security Concerns and Suspected Origins

The drone incidents are part of a broader pattern affecting multiple European countries. While the source of the drones remains officially unknown, several officials and security services suspect Russian involvement. As reported by Reuters, these incidents are testing European air defense systems and represent what many security experts describe as 'hybrid warfare' tactics.

Belgian police in Antwerp revealed that two drones were seized last week, with pilots receiving fines for operating without proper authorization. However, authorities believe these recent incidents involve more sophisticated operations than individual hobbyist activities.

Broader European Context

These incidents occur amid increasing concerns about airspace security across Europe. Similar drone sightings have been reported at military installations in Germany, Norway, and Sweden, with NATO allies coordinating their responses. The situation highlights the evolving nature of security threats in an era where relatively inexpensive drone technology can disrupt critical infrastructure.

Belgium is responding by strengthening its airspace security measures. The government has announced that the National Airspace Security Centre will become operational from January 1, 2026, and is developing a €50 million 'anti-drone initiative' that includes creating a legal framework to shoot down invading drones when necessary.

'We're facing a new type of security challenge that requires both technological solutions and international cooperation,' said a European security analyst. 'These incidents show how vulnerable our critical infrastructure has become to asymmetric threats.'