The UAV was discovered by a barracks employee, after which the police went to the scene, but were unable to record the drones or their operators. The protocol was transmitted to the Ministry of Defense and military intelligence ADIV.
Peer Mayor Steven Matei noted the need for increased vigilance and cooperation between local authorities, police and defense, especially given the unstable geopolitical situation.
Defense Minister Theo Franken confirmed on social media X the sighting of several drones, reported on the operation of the detection system and noted the need for additional CUAS capabilities to detect and neutralize drones.
“Flying drones over military bases is strictly prohibited. The Department of Defense must do everything possible to shoot down these drones,” Franken said.
Meerdere drones boven Kleine Brogel waargenomen. Detectiesysteem werkt. Dank aan alerte wacht, ook voor de opgenomen beelden. Onderzoek loopt.
Burgemeester van Peer @stevenmathei gebeld. Defense it de komende week samen met de lokale politie om dreiging te analyseren en op te…
– Theo Francken (@FranckenTheo) November 1, 2025
This is not the first time such sightings have occurred: earlier this month, drones were recorded over the Elsenborn and Marche-en-Famenne barracks, often at night and in an organized manner, the material says.
Context
Recently, “unknown drones” have begun to be noticed in a number of EU countries, including Poland, Norway, Germany, Romania, Finland and Lithuania. In Denmark, the airport was temporarily closed several times because of this. At the same time into the airspace Estonia two Russian MiG-31 fighter jets infiltrated, in what analysts say is a test of NATO's defenses.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb said he would not automatically order the shooting down of unknown objects, while Poland and Sweden are ready to defend their skies. Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary criticized the European Union for insufficiently protecting airports from drones.
