European airports on alert after new drone disruptions amid security warnings

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European airports on alert after new drone disruptions amid security warnings
European airports on alert after new drone disruptions amid security warnings

Brussels and Liège airports in Belgium faced disruptions overnight once again over suspected drone sightings, just hours after the Belgian government’s national security council discussed its response to the emerging threats.

Both airports reported limited effect on their operations.

More unconfirmed drone sightings were also reported in the vicinity of the Doel nuclear power plant and the nuclear research center SCK in Mol, as reported by Het Laatste Nieuws, and Antwerp port, as per VRT.

Amid growing frustration with the continuing problem, Belgium is expected to receive anti-drone support from the German army, local media reported, in a bid to put an end to the repeated incidents of drone sightings near civil airports and military bases.

Separately, Sweden’s second-largest airport in Gothenburg also reported drone disruptions, prompting police to open an investigation into “suspected aviation sabotage.”

The incidents come as a top German military official issued a stark warning that Russia would have capacity for a limited strike against Nato territory at any time, Reuters reported.

“If you look at Russia’s current capabilities and combat power, Russia could kick off a small-scale attack against Nato territory as early as tomorrow,” Lt Gen Alexander Sollfrank told Reuters in an interview. “Small, quick, regionally limited, nothing big – Russia is too tied down in Ukraine for that.“

Sollfrank said whether Moscow might choose to attack Nato would be determined by three factors: Russia’s military strength, military track record, and leadership, Reuters reported.

“These three factors lead me to the conclusion that a Russian attack is in the realm of the possible. Whether it will happen or not depends to a large extent on our own behaviour,” he added, alluding to Nato’s deterrence efforts.

Let’s see what reactions we are going to get to these latest incidents.

Editorial Team

Elizabeth Baker

Technology & Business Editor

National Security, Russia, Belgium, Drones, Brussels, Airports, Nato

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