The Belgian government has revealed to the BBC that it is urgently working to acquire advanced drone defense systems following a recent incident that forced the temporary closure of Zaventem Airport, the main airport near Brussels. The disruption occurred on Thursday night after drones were sighted near the airport and other sensitive locations, including a military base. Defense Minister Theo Francken emphasized that what was once considered a localized issue for military bases has now escalated into a significant threat to civilian infrastructure across multiple European nations. Francken confirmed that several European allies, including Germany, have offered assistance, with the German military providing anti-drone defenses. The incident impacted approximately 3,000 passengers of Brussels Airlines, leading to considerable costs from flight cancellations and diversions. Joelle Neeb of Brussels Airlines noted that while EU compensation schemes do not apply, the airline is obligated to ensure passengers reach their destinations promptly by offering refunds, alternative flights, and covering accommodation and transport expenses. Neeb described drones as a ‘new threat,’ prompting the airline to revise its contingency plans. Recent months have seen similar drone-related disruptions across Europe, including in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. Some officials have accused Russia of engaging in ‘hybrid warfare,’ though the Kremlin denies any involvement. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has suggested that these incidents may be linked to EU discussions about using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, a controversial plan that could see Belgium legally obligated to repay Moscow post-conflict. While Belgian security services suspect Russian involvement, Francken acknowledged the lack of concrete evidence. The situation has been further complicated by recent Russian airspace incursions in Eastern Europe, involving fighter jets and larger attack drones, which are seen as attempts to test European defenses and divert attention from Ukraine.