European authorities have reported 14 unidentified drone sightings across the continent in the past two months, the latest occurring over a Belgian tactical fighter jet base that is also believed to store U.S. tactical nuclear weapons.
Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken confirmed that drones appeared on two consecutive nights, November 1–3, near the Kleine Brogel air base. According to Francken, the initial wave involved smaller drones probing national security radio frequencies, followed by larger ones seemingly intended to disrupt operations and create confusion.
“It looks like an intelligence-gathering mission — though by whom, I can’t say for sure,” Francken told Belgium’s RTBF broadcaster, adding that he preferred not to speculate further.
Although the U.S. government does not disclose the number of tactical nuclear weapons stationed in Europe, the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation estimates that roughly 100 such weapons are stored across six bases in five NATO member states, including Kleine Brogel. The base also houses Belgium’s F-16 aircraft and is preparing to accommodate new F-35 fighter jets, the first of which arrived last month.
This episode adds to a series of drone incursions that have unsettled several European nations since early autumn. The most intense activity was recorded between September 20 and October 5, with clusters of sightings reported in Denmark, Norway, Germany, and Belgium. Although the frequency of incidents declined afterward, Belgium and Germany continued to experience drone activity into the following weeks, especially in areas along NATO’s northern perimeter.
The targets most frequently affected include military bases and airports with both civilian and defense functions, with most incidents occurring at night and often involving multiple drones flying in formation.
A recent report by the French Institute for International and Strategic Affairs suggested that the drones over Denmark may have had political motivations, noting that Denmark currently holds the presidency of the EU Council until the year’s end.
