(MENAFN) A British anti-drone unit has been deployed to Belgium to address potential “hybrid threats,” Defense Minister Theo Francken announced Sunday via X, according to reports.

London confirmed the move following several unexplained drone sightings over Belgium last week. Sir Richard Knighton, head of the British Armed Forces, noted that the origin of the unmanned aerial vehicles remains unknown.

Francken recently sparked controversy after stating in an interview with Belgian outlet that he would “wipe Moscow off the map.” He later clarified that his remarks were framed within NATO’s deterrence doctrine, stressing that the bloc was “not at war with Russia” while refusing to retract his comments. Moscow condemned the statements as “irresponsible” and cited them as an example of “military psychosis.”

Western officials have accused Russian aircraft and drones of repeatedly violating EU airspace, describing the incidents as part of a “hybrid war” by Moscow. The Kremlin denied the allegations, accusing the West of promoting anti-Russia “hysteria.”

In response to perceived threats, the EU has pursued significant military initiatives, including the ReArm Europe package, unveiled in March, which plans to mobilize up to €800 billion ($933 billion) to strengthen European defenses. The bloc also proposed a “drone wall” following UAV sightings across member states and revealed plans for a space shield to protect EU satellites, though no budget details have been disclosed.

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