Mysterious drones spotted over military base storing US nuclear weapons

Mysterious drones were spotted near Belgium's Kleine Brogel air base, where US nuclear weapons are stored, prompting fears of a potential espionage operation.

Belgium's Defense Minister Theo Francken confirmed that drones entered the base's airspace in two waves on Saturday and Sunday night. 

The first involved smaller drones, reportedly testing the base's radio frequencies, followed by larger drones intended 'to destabilize the area and people,' Francken said.

'It resembles a spy operation. By whom, I don't know,' he told public broadcaster RTBF. 

The defense minister added that the drones appeared to target sensitive locations, including F-16s and munitions, and that the incidents were under investigation.

'It's not a drone that just happened to cross the military base. It was there for a long time, so it was definitely for spying,' Francken said.

The US stores an estimated 10 to 20 B61 nuclear bombs at the Kleine Brogel Air Base, which plays a key role in NATO's nuclear deterrence strategy in Europe and hosts F-16 fighter jets, according to the base's website. 

The site notes that these jets are scheduled to be replaced in the coming years by the F-35A, the US Air Force's newest fifth-generation fighter. 

'This was not a simple flyover, but a clear attack targeting Kleine Brogel,' Francken said. 'It is not clear who is responsible for the drone sightings.'

The US maintains an estimated 200 tactical nuclear weapons, with roughly half positioned in Europe. Around 100 of these are thought to be deployed across five NATO member countries, including Belgium, Germany and Turkey.

Unlike strategic nuclear arms, tactical weapons are intended for use in battlefield scenarios or within a limited geographic region.

Kleine-Brogel air base took part in NATO’s most recent annual nuclear exercise, Steadfast Noon, held last month.

The drone sightings come amid ongoing concerns over airspace security across Europe.

In recent months, the continent has seen tense encounters between fighter jets, unexplained sightings of large drones, and deliberate acts of disruption that have affected major airports.

In September, drones were reported over several military installations in Denmark, and flights at Spain’s Gran Canaria airport were rerouted following similar drone activity.

Just last month, drones appeared over Germany, sparking fury from the country's chancellor, who accused Russia of waging a 'hybrid war.'

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz blamed President Vladimir Putin for the incursion of reconnaissance drones that disrupted Munich Airport and left more than 10,000 passengers stranded.

Flights were canceled during German Unity Day, and as Munich prepared for the final weekend of Oktoberfest, which draws over six million visitors annually.

'He is waging an information war against us. He is waging a military war against Ukraine, and this war is directed against all of us,' Merz told broadcaster NTV. 

NATO forces shot down a mystery drone near a base used by US troops in Estonia, less than 30 miles from the Russian border, last week.

Two drones were spotted near Camp Reedo, home to the US Army's 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, on October 17.

One was blasted out of the sky with an anti-drone rifle, while the second escaped.

Liis Vaksmann, a spokesperson for the Estonian Defence Forces, said: 'Allies detected drones flying in the immediate vicinity of the 2nd Infantry Brigade's military base at 16:30 on 17 October, one of which was brought down with an anti-drone rifle.'

Military and police teams searched for the wreckage but were unable to locate it.

Estonia, viewed as one of NATO's most vulnerable members, hosts both US and British troops as part of the alliance's deterrence force. 

Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said NATO must be ready to intercept and shoot down any aircraft violating allied airspace.

'The message must be unequivocal - future violations will meet a response, including, if necessary, the interception and downing of intruding aircraft,' he said.

'This is not only about defending Estonia's borders - it's about defending NATO's borders.'