Britain deploys RAF specialists to assist Belgium with drone threats

Published: 10 November 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Britain is sending Royal Air Force specialists to support Belgium in countering disruptive drone activity that affected the country’s airports last week, amid speculation from some politicians that Russia may be behind the incidents.

Sir Richard Knighton, chief of the UK armed forces, confirmed that British personnel and equipment would be deployed, while stressing that the exact origin of the drones remains uncertain. The decision followed a request for assistance from Belgium after flights at Brussels and Liège airports were disrupted, with reports also emerging of drone sightings near military bases and nuclear facilities.

Russia has been cited as the most likely source, part of a series of similar incidents across northern Europe this autumn. Knighton noted that even without conclusive evidence, the UK is committed to supporting its NATO ally. Germany and France have already sent specialist assistance to Belgium, and the UK’s contribution will come from the RAF’s dedicated counter-uncrewed aerial systems unit.

The German defence minister, Boris Pistorius, suggested that the drone incursions may be linked to disputes over Russian frozen assets held in Belgium, which are being considered for release to fund a €140bn (£120bn) loan to Ukraine.

Knighton spoke publicly for the first time since taking over as chief of defence staff in September, having previously served as head of the air force. He highlighted Russia as the “most pressing threat” and warned of hybrid warfare, including cyberattacks, space-based threats, sabotage, and assassination attempts on British soil.

Acknowledging challenges within the UK armed forces, Knighton admitted that decades of budget cuts had left the military “hollowed out,” with gaps in personnel and weapons stockpiles. He stressed that while defence spending is projected to rise from £62.2bn in 2025 to £71bn in 2027-28, past underfunding and internal overspends have limited operational readiness.

Addressing concerns about safety and inclusivity within the military, Knighton discussed reforms following the suicide of 19-year-old Gnr Jaysley Beck, who died in 2021 after being sexually assaulted and harassed by colleagues. He said the armed forces have introduced an independent defence serious crimes unit and a victim and witness care unit, ensuring that victims can choose whether allegations are handled within the military or civilian courts.

Knighton concluded that these reforms have made the military a safer environment for women, acknowledging the tragic case of Jaysley Beck while emphasizing ongoing improvements to protect personnel and uphold accountability.