Netherlands says swarm of large drones spotted over NATO site, airport, industrial zone

ISTANBUL

Dutch authorities launched on Tuesday an investigation after multiple sightings of large drones near sensitive sites in the southern province of Limburg, including NATO’s Allied Joint Force Command in Brunssum, the Chemelot industrial complex in Geleen, and Maastricht Aachen Airport.

A spokesperson for the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee confirmed to local daily De Limburger that reports were received over the weekend and a search was conducted, though no drones were found.

Limburg police also received several drone reports across South Limburg.

“We haven’t kept track of the exact number,” a police spokesperson said, noting that many incidents often involve hobbyist drones.

“There’s no reason to panic, but we are on high alert,” the police added.

According to De Limburger, drones were additionally sighted near the NATO air base in Geilenkirchen, just across the German border.

The Chemelot complex’s spokesperson declined to comment, referring the matter to police, while Maastricht Aachen Airport officials were unavailable.

In recent weeks, European authorities have reported an uptick in drone activity near military installations and airports. Similar incidents temporarily disrupted air traffic at Brussels, Antwerp, and Liege airports in Belgium.