Belgium considers NATO article 4 after drone sightings
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Belgium is weighing NATO Article 4 after drones were spotted near airports and military bases. Defense Minister Theo Francken warns of a serious threat to security.
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Danish military forces participate in an exercise with hundreds of troops from several European NATO members in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, Wednesday, September 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)
Belgium is considering invoking Article 4 of the NATO treaty following a series of alarming drone sightings near military installations and major airports, Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken said Wednesday.
Speaking before the parliamentary defense committee, Francken said Belgium was evaluating whether the recent events warranted a formal consultation with NATO allies.
"In the coming hours and days we will also consider whether our country can invoke Article 4 of the NATO treaty," Francken told lawmakers, as quoted by Belgian newspaper 7sur7. He emphasized that "something serious" was unfolding in the country.
Drone activity was reported over Brussels International Airport, Charleroi, and Liege, prompting temporary closures of all three airports. Additional sightings were recorded over Kleine-Brogel and Florennes air bases, both of which house critical military infrastructure.
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Officials react with concern and satire
While some officials responded with alarm, others turned to sarcasm. Thomas Dermine, mayor of Charleroi, ridiculed the situation, jokingly suggesting that the Defense Ministry "mobilize poachers" to bring down the drones.
"I have seen that the defense ministry is buying pump-action shotguns for hunting. Maybe we should organize all the poachers in Belgium so they can go and shoot at the drones," he said, mocking Francken’s reported plans to acquire specialized anti-drone rifles.
The incidents in Belgium come amid a broader wave of drone-related disruptions across European airspace. Similar drone sightings have been reported in Germany, Denmark, and Norway, raising concerns about air traffic safety and military base security across the continent.
NATO Article 4 allows any member state to call for consultations when it perceives a threat to its territorial integrity or political independence. If invoked, it could trigger a wider alliance response or security review.
