Counter-UAS in the Netherlands: soldiers fire at drones over Volkel

Several security-related drone incidents kept the Netherlands busy at the weekend, and counter-UAS measures were deployed. Volkel air base near Nijmegen was hit hardest. There, soldiers spotted several drones over the military restricted area between 19:00 and 21:00 on Saturday evening. Personnel reacted without delay and fired at the unmanned aircraft from the ground. They then left the airspace and did not reappear.

Why the drones were operating over one of the most sensitive sites of the Royal Netherlands Air Force remains unclear. For security reasons, according to the Ministry of Defence in The Hague, it will not comment on the type of countermeasures used or on the exact detection methods. The Koninklijke Marechaussee and the police are investigating. A spokesperson for the gendarmerie confirmed to ANP that “shots were fired” and that investigations are under way.

Counter-UAS also activated in Eindhoven

An incident in Eindhoven, the country's second-largest airport, caused further concern. Because drones were also reported there on Saturday evening, military and civilian flight operations had to be suspended temporarily. On the platform X, Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans confirmed that counter-drone systems had been activated and that a comprehensive investigation was under way. The ministry did not say where the drones came from.

The latest incidents are part of a growing series of similar drone sightings over critical infrastructure in Europe. Numerous countries are therefore working to improve their ability to counter drones in both the civilian and military domains. In Germany, according to a current draft law, the Bundeswehr is to be deployable for counter-drone operations even at home in future, with armed force if necessary. In Austria, the National Council (Nationalrat) recently voted unanimously for the drafting and implementation of a national drone protection strategy.