Belgium's air defence in crisis: Vulnerable to attacks from above
Roger Housen, a retired colonel and defence expert, believes Belgium is utterly defenceless against potential air attacks. The situation for this NATO member state is so dire that even acquiring Patriot systems will not resolve it.
- Write it in big letters: we have nothing. We are completely devoid of protection, and in the face of any threat, we are like a bird for a cat. I'm not just talking about the port in Antwerp. If, for example, the liquefied natural gas terminal in Zeebrugge is attacked, half the coast will go up in smoke. Places like European institutions or NATO headquarters in Brussels are also not adequately protected - said Housen in an interview with the Belgian portal 7sur7.
Belgium's problems with air defence
Such an opinion is not isolated. Recently, Bart De Wever, considered the leading candidate for the next Belgian Prime Minister, has expressed a similar view. He says strategic places in Belgium are not sufficiently protected, which needs to change. The priority must be Patriot systems.
This is an American weapon produced by Raytheon. Various conflicts have highlighted its numerous advantages, including the war in Ukraine (Kyiv receives Patriots as part of Western support). The Patriot system is a surface-to-air missile defence system mounted on mobile truck platforms.
A complete Patriot system comprises a launcher, a computerised command post, and a phased array radar. It can combat hostile objects at a distance of up to 100 miles and altitudes of up to 15 miles. These values are variable depending on the radar version, the type of target, and the missiles used (which can have either classic fragmentation warheads or kinetic warheads).
Drones also pose a danger
Patriot systems are very effective, but their missiles are costly. This is one of the reasons why it is a weapon primarily reserved for combating hostile aircraft and the most dangerous missiles but not used to shoot down drones. In this area, the situation in Belgium does not look good.
- The threat does not only come from Russia. On the Alibaba portal, you can very easily order a regular drone. Attaching a few kilograms of explosives to it can cause a gigantic catastrophe in the port of Antwerp. Vigilance is necessary not only towards Russians but also towards lone wolves, ISIS fighters, or persons acting on behalf of Russia. Using drones and explosives, they can cause significant damage - said Housen.
The Belgian expert did not indicate which anti-aircraft systems would be the best choice for his country in terms of protecting against low-altitude threats. He concluded that Belgium needs an extensive defence system similar to Israel's Iron Dome.
