UK Military Deploys to Protect Belgium Amid Suspected Russian Drone Incursions

Sir Richard Knighton told the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg that while it is not yet known for certain if the incursions were carried out by Russia, it is "plausible" that they were ordered by Moscow. The suspected drone incursions into Belgium's airspace follow a series of similar incidents over several Nato nations that disrupted air travel. Russia has denied accusations of conducting "hybrid warfare" on allies of Ukraine. The UK's decision to provide military support to Belgium is part of a broader effort to strengthen alliances and collective resolve in the face of growing hybrid threats. Defence 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." This statement reflects the UK's commitment to working with its allies to address the evolving security landscape. The recent drone incursions into Belgium's airspace are part of a larger pattern of suspected Russian aggression against Nato nations. These incidents have raised concerns about the potential for Russia to use drones as a tool of hybrid warfare, which involves a combination of conventional and unconventional tactics to achieve strategic objectives. The use of drones in this way can be particularly challenging to detect and respond to, as they can be easily launched from a remote location and can evade traditional air defence systems. The UK's decision to provide military support to Belgium is a significant development in the ongoing response to the suspected Russian drone incursions. The UK's military assistance will likely include the deployment of personnel and equipment, such as radar systems and air defence capabilities, to help Belgium enhance its air security. This support is expected to be coordinated with other Nato nations to ensure a unified response to the threat. The situation is ongoing, with further developments expected in the coming days. The UK and Belgium will continue to work together to address the suspected Russian drone incursions and to strengthen their collective defence capabilities. As the situation evolves, it is likely that the UK and other Nato nations will continue to take steps to enhance their air security and to deter potential threats from Russia.