Belgium has received a rapid deployment of highly specialized anti-drone personnel from the RAF Regiment’s No. 2 Uncrewed Aerial Systems Wing, along with ORCUS systems provided by Leonardo, to detect and neutralize unmanned threats near key sites.

The Royal Air Force reinforced Belgium’s air defenses by deploying anti-drone systems in response to Belgium’s request to counter unauthorized unmanned aerial activity over military bases and critical infrastructure.

This development illustrates ongoing NATO and European cooperation to safeguard civil aviation and military installations against rising unmanned threats.

Air Marshal Harv Smyth notes the hybrid threat is being driven by Russia and tech advances, emphasizing UK investments in counter-drone systems and training to bolster Europe’s defense.

Defence Secretary John Healey said the UK will support NATO allies in need, dispatching a small team of RAF specialists to assist Belgium amid increasing hybrid threats to airspace and infrastructure.

The Belgian deployment is part of broader RAF efforts supporting allied defenses against hybrid threats, including a recent October initiative where the RAF aided Copenhagen with ORCUS systems during EU summit activities, alongside other continental allies.

Image credit for the report is provided by the Royal Air Force.

France and Germany are contributing their own anti-drone units to strengthen Belgium’s defense network protecting major sites, while Brussels pursues an emergency plan to acquire additional counter-drone equipment and advanced radar to extend detection ranges.