Belgium introduces mandatory drone and UAV pilot registration after airport threats
Belgium’s National Security Council has advised that all drones and drone pilots must be registered. This way, the Belgian government hopes to gain control over drones that have been spotted around airports and military bases in recent days.
On numerous occasions, drones have been spotted flying over Belgian airports and military bases. This not only caused millions of euros in economic damage, but it also raised concerns about the safety of passengers and airport personnel.
That’s why Prime Minister Bart De Wever decided to convene the National Security Council, whose job it is to advise the Belgian government on terrorist threats.
“We will not allow our airports to be disrupted by uncontrolled drone flights. This requires a coordinated and national response,” Minister of the Interior Bernard Quintin said in a response on Wednesday.
One of the recommendations of the National Security Council is to immediately implement a mandatory registration system for drones and drone pilots.
Currently, drones or Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are permitted to fly without registration, although flying near airports, military bases, prisons, royal domains, and other structures in the critical infrastructure is prohibited. Mandatory registration would make it easier to see when drones are flying in forbidden zones.
“We do not live in a system where everyone can do whatever they want. We cannot ban all drones, because we also need them for our safety,” Quintin told Belgian news outlets after the meeting of the National Security Council.
In addition, the Minister was asking people to remain calm. “We really do have the situation under control. The threat is there, I won’t deny that, but we are certainly not completely helpless,” he added.
Many people think Russia is responsible for the deployment of drones above European airports and military bases. However, Russia is denying all allegations.
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