“They [the drones] come to spy — to find out where the F-16 fighters are, where the munitions are stored, and other strategically important information,” Francken said.
The Belgian minister did not directly accuse Russia, but hinted there are few other obvious suspects.
“Are these Russians now? I cannot state that, but the motives are obvious, and the methods used for such actions are also very clear,” he added.
Earlier on Nov. 2, Francken said an investigation had been opened into the drone incident over the military base in northern Belgium.
On the night of Nov. 1, unknown drones were detected above the Kleine-Brogel airbase in Peer — a site where U.S. nuclear weapons are stored, local reports said.
Peer’s mayor, Steven Matheï, said one of the drones was spotted by a barracks employee. Police were dispatched and searched the area, but found neither the devices nor their operators.
Francken confirmed multiple drones were recorded over the base.
Kleine-Brogel airbase is a key installation for Belgian defense. It stores U.S. nuclear munitions and hosts American-built F-16 fighters capable of carrying nuclear weapons. The base is also to host F-35 fighters.
On Oct. 29, Belga news agency reported Belgium had launched an investigation after several drones were spotted over a military base in the south of the country.
Citing the defense minister, the agency said unknown drones had appeared twice over a base in Wallonia.