(MENAFN) Britain is providing military assistance to Belgium after a series of suspected drone incursions, reportedly linked to Russia, into Belgian airspace. The UK’s chief of defence staff confirmed that Belgian authorities requested support earlier this week, and that personnel and equipment are now being deployed.

The incidents forced Brussels Airport to close temporarily on Thursday night after drones were spotted nearby, with sightings also reported near a military base. Similar incursions over several NATO countries have disrupted air travel, though Russia denies conducting "hybrid warfare" against allies of Ukraine.

Sir Richard Knighton said it is not confirmed whether Russia was behind the incursions, but he described it as "plausible" that Moscow ordered them. Defence Secretary John Healey stressed: "As hybrid threats grow, our strength lies in our alliances and our collective resolve to defend, deter and protect our critical infrastructure and airspace."

Members of the RAF’s 2 Force Protection Wing are expected to take part in the support effort, with the UK providing its "kit and capability" to assist Belgium. Germany has also pledged anti-drone support following a request from Brussels. About 3,000 Brussels Airlines passengers were affected, with numerous flights cancelled or diverted, creating significant costs for the carrier.

Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken noted, "At first, drones flying over our military bases were seen as our problem. Now it has become a serious threat affecting civilian infrastructure across multiple European countries." Sir Richard described Russia as "the most pressing threat right now" in Europe, citing its "barbaric" invasion of Ukraine and prior acts of sabotage and killings on UK soil.

The incursions follow similar events across Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Germany. While suspicions focus on Russia, officials have yet to present conclusive evidence, and the Kremlin denies involvement. Observers point to recent Russian airspace violations in Eastern Europe involving fighter jets and large drones, though Moscow claims these were unintentional.

The UK has deployed RAF Typhoon jets over Poland as part of NATO’s eastern defence mission.

Shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge welcomed the support for Belgium, calling it essential in a "heightened threat environment," but urged faster increases in defence spending. Sir Richard noted that the current funding levels are "more than I've ever known in my career."

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