"UK military personnel and equipment are being sent to Belgium to help it bolster its defences after drone incursions on its airspace, suspected of being carried out by Russia. The new head of the UK military, Sir Richard Knighton, told the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg that his Belgian counterpart asked for assistance earlier this week and that kit and personnel were on the way. Belgium's main airport Zavantem was forced to close temporarily on Thursday night after drones were spotted nearby."
"Sir Richard said it was not known if the incursions were by Russia, but added it was "plausible" they had been ordered by Moscow. He added that the decision to aid Belgium had been made alongside Defence Secretary John Healey. Alongside Nato allies, he added that the UK would help Belgium "by providing our kit and capability" which he said was already being deployed."
"On Friday the German defence ministry said it would support Belgium with anti-drone measures after a request from Brussels. About 3,000 Brussels Airlines passengers were affected by the disruption, and the carrier said it faced "considerable costs" from cancelling or diverting dozens of flights. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and the Belgian security services have said they suspect Russia, but Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken has previously admitted there is no accompanying evidence."
The UK is sending military personnel and equipment to Belgium to bolster defences after drone incursions into Belgian airspace that are suspected to have been ordered by Russia. Belgium's main airport Zaventem temporarily closed after drones were spotted nearby, and drones were also reported over a military base. Belgium requested assistance and UK kit and personnel are being deployed alongside Nato allies, with the decision coordinated with the UK Defence Secretary. Germany has offered anti-drone support after a Belgian request. Around 3,000 Brussels Airlines passengers faced disruption and the carrier reported considerable costs. Some officials suspect Russian involvement while a Belgian minister acknowledged no accompanying evidence.
Read at www.bbc.com
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