Belgium is set to deploy an air-defence system at the Port of Antwerp, Europe's second-largest seaport, following a series of drone sightings that disrupted operations last year. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Bart De Wever at the port's annual community meet-up, as reported by local newspaper Gazet van Antwerpen.
The Nasams-type system, already ordered, is designed to protect against fighter jets, drones, and other short-range threats. The defence ministry expects the first battery to arrive in 2027, but declined to provide further details for operational security reasons.
Drone sightings forced temporary closures of airports and a military airbase in Belgium last year, including incidents over the port itself, near nuclear power plants, the BASF chemical site, and the Europa terminal. In November 2025, drones were spotted over the port, and Liege airport halted flights twice in a week due to a sighting.
A port spokesperson emphasised the strategic importance of the hub, stating: 'Given the importance of our port as an economic engine of Belgium, it is essential that the port is protected and secured, both digitally and physically.' The Port of Antwerp handles 290 million tonnes of cargo annually and is a major hub for container, breakbulk, and chemical transport.
The European Union Drugs Agency's 2025 report noted that more drugs flowed through Antwerp's port than any other European facility. Authorities in some countries have linked recent drone incidents to Russia's 'hybrid warfare' campaign, though Moscow denies involvement.
