Military drones in Belgium: Land Component expands UAS ecosystem around drone unit in Peutie

The Belgian Armed Forces have responded to the rapid development and growing use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) with a dedicated drone unit for military drones. Set up in Peutie in September 2025, it has since served as the maintenance and repair centre for micro drones. Mini and small drones will follow from June 2026, and further expansion is planned.

Processes are being centralised, and training, technology and operations more closely interlinked. This is intended to increase efficiency and better support deployed units. The goal is a flexible structure covering all aspects of UAS and contributing directly to drone readiness. The logistics battalions supporting units with UAS capabilities are also set to benefit.

The Belgian Land Component already covers various requirements with a broad spectrum of systems. Modern reconnaissance platforms such as the RQ-11 Raven, RQ-20 Puma and RQ-21 Integrator provide a better situational picture. Developments such as first-person view (FPV) drones and armed drones offer new options for precise engagement at short range. Nano and indoor drones round off the portfolio, allowing operations in complex, hard-to-access environments.

A comprehensive training programme was developed with civilian industry, with external specialists from various fields providing a broad, multidisciplinary basis. Theory focuses mainly on the fundamentals of aerodynamics, control systems and the legal framework. Practice covers flight training, mission simulations and modules on maintenance and repair. The Land Component is also investing in modern drone simulators for realistic training.

Countering hostile military drones

The more important UAS become, the more weight is given to countermeasures, i.e. counter-UAS. Anti-drone systems are evolving very quickly in technological terms. As the threats grow, the Land Component is building new capabilities to detect, disrupt and defeat hostile systems.

Among the means used for this are specialised radar systems, optical and acoustic sensors, and radio frequency.