MILAN \u2014 Following suspicious drone flights near a Belgian nuclear base earlier this month, Brussels has devoted \u20ac50 million ($58 million) for the purchase of new counter-drone equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The decision by the Belgian Ministry of Defense follows pressure to reinforce the country\u2019s airspace, as authorities have wrestled to respond effectively to periodic air traffic interference in recent weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As part of the anti-drone investments the Belgian government is banking on drone-interceptor technology from Latvia-based company Origin Robotics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dubbed the Blaze interceptor, the system was only launched in May and combines radar-based detection with artificial-intelligence computer vision to neutralize fast-moving targets, including loitering munitions and hostile drones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe country has struggled to respond to repeated airspace interruptions due to insufficient counter-drone capacity \u2013 in recent weeks, Belgium had to call in support from Germany and the U.K. to compensate for the shortfall,\u201d the Latvian company said in a statement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brussels was targeted on two consecutive nights at the strt of the month by drones that flew in different stages near the Kleine Brogel installation, an airbase where U.S. tactical nuclear weapons and Belgium\u2019s F-16 fleet are stationed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Origin Robotics, Blaze destroys a drone through airburst fragmentation, meaning that it explodes near it and releases small parts of shrapnel that damage the system without needing to strike it directly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition, the interceptor is equipped with safety controls so operators can cancel an attack and order it to come back, or it can self-neutralize if something goes wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The company declined to share the specific number of units ordered or when deliveries of these systems could begin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken said in a post on his X social media platform on Nov. 17, during a visit to Latvia, that these counter-drone systems would strengthen Belgium\u2019s capabilities \u201cin a couple of weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n