BRUSSELS

Belgium will make its National Airspace Security Center (NASC) fully operational by Jan. 1, 2026, as authorities respond to a growing number of drone incursions over airports and military installations, Defense Minister Theo Francken said Thursday after a meeting of the National Security Council.

The council meeting convened in Brussels following drone overflights earlier this week that temporarily shut down Brussels Airport, daily La Libre reported.

"The threat is serious; we must be aware of it," Francken said following the meeting.

The NASC, located at the Beauvechain air base, already exists as a project integrating several services, including defense, customs and the aviation authority.

Francken said the priority for the coming weeks is to make the center "fully operational," ensuring that all relevant agencies have a complete and shared view of Belgian airspace.

The minister also said Belgium is coordinating with international partners and recently discussed the issue with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

The federal government is expected to approve the purchase of €50 million ($57 million) worth of anti-drone systems at Friday's Cabinet meeting.

In the meantime, the directives are clear, according to the minister: "When possible, hostile drones must be shot down."

Interior Minister Bernard Quintin called for "calm and seriousness," stressing that Tuesday's airport closure demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated action.

He said a blanket ban on drones is impossible because they are essential for emergency services. However, he warned that flying a drone over an airport can carry a prison sentence of 10 to 20 years.

"Today, we are making a clear and collective commitment: every relevant service will take the necessary measures to better respond to drones that could threaten our national security," Quintin said.