Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 26, 2026
2 min readLast updated: April 2, 2026
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Belgium will deploy a NASAMS air‑defense battery at the Port of Antwerp‑Bruges, with first delivery expected in 2027 after repeated drone sightings. The move aims to secure critical logistics. (belganewsagency.eu)
BRUSSELS, Feb 26 (Reuters) - Belgium is preparing to deploy an air-defence system at the port of Antwerp to counter the growing drone threat to critical infrastructure, a Defence Ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.
Belgium last year faced a series of drone incursions that forced temporary shutdowns at Belgian airports and a military airbase.
Multiple drone sightings were also reported over the port of Antwerp — including above nuclear power plants, the BASF chemical complex and the Europa container terminal - raising alarm over the vulnerability of key industrial and energy sites.
The spokesperson declined to provide specific details on the plans - first reported by Belgian media - citing operational security reasons but added that the system will be ordered soon.
"An air-defence system is coming to the port of Antwerp. It's a NASAMS type," Antwerp mayor Bart De Wever said at an event on Wednesday at the port of Antwerp-Bruges, according to the Gazet van Antwerpen newspaper.
A port spokesperson said the deployment reflects the strategic importance of the hub: "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 NASAMS system is designed to defend against drones, fighter aircraft and other short-range aerial threats.
(Reporting by Charlotte Van Campenhout; editing by Barbara Lewis and Ros Russell)
Belgium plans to install a NASAMS air‑defense system at the Port of Antwerp‑Bruges, with the first battery slated for 2027, as confirmed by remarks cited from PM Bart De Wever. (belganewsagency.eu)
The first NASAMS battery has been ordered and is expected to arrive in 2027, providing short‑ to medium‑range protection for key port assets. (belganewsagency.eu)
Antwerp is a critical European logistics hub. Improved air defense mitigates disruption risks to energy, chemical and container flows that underpin regional trade. (thedefensepost.com)
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