Europe is not on the brink of a conflict; we are already in the middle of one. Not through tanks or air support, but through servers, cables, drones and narratives.
💻 Hybrid warfare combines cyberattacks, sabotage, disinformation, economic pressure and influence operations, all below the threshold of “real” war. No missiles, no flags, but the same impact: destabilisation, fear and a loss of trust.
🛰️ In recent days, Belgium has witnessed concerning activity:
• At Kleine-Brogel Air Base, several drones were observed—initially smaller aircraft testing radio and security frequencies, followed by larger ones with an apparent target.
• At Brussels Airport, airspace was temporarily closed following a drone sighting, forcing flights to divert.
• Liège Airport also reported suspicious drone activity.
🇷🇺 The modus operandi fits the hybrid warfare profile: an initial testing phase using small drones, followed by escalation involving larger systems. The targeting of dual-use infrastructure—military and civilian—suggests a coordinated strategy. The minister referred to a possible espionage operation.
📉 Objective: divide, weaken, confuse.
🧠Tactics: deny, repeat, deceive.
📲 Battlefield: our infrastructure, data, airspace and beliefs.
⚠️ The risk to civilians
These incidents also affect everyday life:
• Disruption to air travel, causing delays and cancellations.
• Risk of escalation when drones operate above critical infrastructure.
• Loss of confidence in security measures.
• Digital vulnerability through social media and data loss.
🛡️ What can civilians do?
• Assess information critically, check sources and avoid sharing blindly.
• Keep basic supplies available: water, lighting and some cash.
• Report drones or suspicious vehicles, including the time and location.
• Take short security awareness courses and secure your accounts.
👮‍♂️ What can police officers or military personnel do?
Immediate actions:
Report drone sightings and secure the area. Record the time and direction of travel, and await a specialist response. Maintain digital security through strong passwords and secure data handling.
Preparation & mindset:
Participate in exercises that combine cyber, physical and information elements. Practise communication during hybrid incidents. Learn the fundamentals of Counter-UAS and work with practical standard operating procedures. Stay alert, including when off duty.
At Ex Arma Scientia, we believe that knowledge, training and readiness are the keys to resilience.
