Defense authorized to arm drones

22 January 2025

"The arming of drones is essential for our military, given the current international developments, such as the war in Ukraine," said MP Peter Buysrogge after securing a majority for his resolution to arm Belgium’s defense drones. “It is crucial that Defense embraces this technological progress and doesn’t fall behind. I am therefore very pleased that common sense has finally prevailed in this chamber.”

The resolution gained support from the Arizona parties, which, after careful consultations and intensive political efforts, concluded that arming drones is a logical and necessary step in the current military context.

A modern battlefield

The SkyGuardian drones were purchased back in 2019 and are technically capable of carrying weapons. Then-Minister of Defense Steven Vandeput kept the option to arm them open, but the Vivaldi government opted not to pursue it for ethical reasons. Until now, the drones have only been used for intelligence gathering, despite their capacity for precision strikes with minimal collateral damage. Armed drone systems, however, have been a standard feature of modern warfare for decades. Over the past few years, Peter Buysrogge has tirelessly advocated for arming the drones. Recent expert opinions, the shifting international security landscape, and constructive negotiations ultimately proved decisive in securing approval.

Drones as a defensive weapon

Buysrogge emphasized that armed drones will always remain under human control. “These are not autonomous killing machines. They are operated by highly trained professionals and are primarily designed to support our troops and protect civilians.”

In other countries, such as the Netherlands, the arming of drones has long been considered a logical step in modern warfare and has enjoyed broad parliamentary support. Buysrogge warned that Belgium cannot afford to lag behind. “Military adversaries, including the Iranian regime, are already using drones to harm innocent civilians in Europe. We must not only defend ourselves but also fully harness the potential of our technology.”

The future of defense

Buysrogge called for additional investments in smaller drone systems and new defensive strategies against drone attacks. “Our security depends on our willingness to look ahead. This approval is a step in the right direction. Defense experts have long highlighted the advantages of armed drones for precision strikes and reduced risks of collateral damage. We are moving beyond the naïve thinking of the left and recognizing the critical role of drones in modern warfare.”

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