Brussels, Nov 03 (V7N)- Several drones have been detected over the Klein-Brogel Air Base in Belgium, allegedly conducting surveillance on military aircraft, claimed Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken.

According to Francken, the drones were used “to see where the F-16 aircraft, weapons, and other secret strategic items are located.” He said one drone had hovered over the airbase for a “long period of time,” indicating deliberate reconnaissance activity.

Klein-Brogel Air Base, one of Belgium’s largest and most strategic military installations, is said to play a role in NATO’s nuclear defense strategy. Although local media have long speculated that the base houses U.S. nuclear weapons, NATO declined to comment, referring inquiries to Belgian authorities, CNN reported.

The base currently operates F-16 fighter jets, which are set to be replaced by F-35 aircraft in the coming years.

“Russia is probably trying to conduct such surveillance in all European countries,” the minister said, while refraining from making a direct accusation against Moscow.

Francken noted that drone jammers were deployed but failed to intercept the devices. “Helicopters and police vehicles went after the drone, but it disappeared after a few kilometers,” he added.

An official investigation has been launched after more drones were spotted over the Klein-Brogel base on Saturday. The defense minister reiterated that flying drones over military areas is strictly prohibited.

Earlier, Belgium had closed parts of its airspace near the Lithuania and Belarus borders over alleged airspace violations. Last month, unidentified drones were also seen over the Elsenborn military base and near the German border, raising national security concerns.

Source: CNN News.

END/SMA/AJ