Belgium to deploy air-defence system in Antwerp Port to counter drone threats

BRUSSELS, Feb 26 - Belgium is preparing to deploy an air-defence system at the port of Antwerp to counter the growing drone threat to critical infrastructure, a Defence Ministry spokesperson said on Thursday. Read more at straitstimes.com.

BRUSSELS, Feb 26 - Belgium is preparing to deploy an air-defence system at the port of Antwerp to counter the growing drone threat to critical infrastructure, a Defence Ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.

Belgium last year faced a series of drone incursions that forced temporary shutdowns at Belgian airports and a military airbase.

Multiple drone sightings were also reported over the port of Antwerp — including above nuclear power plants, the BASF chemical complex and the Europa container terminal - raising alarm over the vulnerability of key industrial and energy sites.

The spokesperson declined to provide specific details on the plans - first reported by Belgian media - citing operational security reasons but added that the system will be ordered soon.

"An air-defence system is coming to the port of Antwerp. It's a NASAMS type," Antwerp mayor Bart De Wever said at an event on Wednesday at the port of Antwerp-Bruges, according to the Gazet van Antwerpen newspaper.

A port spokesperson said the deployment reflects the strategic importance of the hub: "Given the importance of our port as an economic engine of Belgium, it is essential that the port is protected and secured, both digitally and physically."