Belgium’s air defense capabilities are under scrutiny, as retired Colonel Roger Housen warns that the nation is dangerously unprotected against potential aerial attacks.
Completely Defenseless
In a recent interview with Belgian news portal 7sur7, Housen emphasized the urgent need for improved security measures, stating:
“We have nothing. We are completely defenseless and, in the face of any threat, we are like a bird to a cat.”
He pointed to critical sites, such as the port of Antwerp and the gas terminal in Zeebrugge, as particularly vulnerable to attacks that could devastate half the coastline, according to WP.
Housen's concerns echo those of Bart De Wever, a leading candidate for Belgium’s next prime minister, who also believes that strategic locations within the country lack adequate protection.
He advocates for the urgent procurement of Patriot missile systems, which are American-made defense weapons produced by Raytheon. The Patriot system, which has proven effective in conflicts such as the ongoing war in Ukraine, is designed to intercept aerial threats at ranges of up to 100 miles and altitudes of 80,000 feet.
Can't Combat Drones
Despite their effectiveness, Housen noted that the high cost of Patriot missiles means they are primarily reserved for combating advanced threats rather than drones.
With the rise of readily available drone technology, he cautioned that threats extend beyond Russia, warning that individuals could easily purchase drones online and use them to create catastrophic incidents.
To address these vulnerabilities, Housen suggests that Belgium needs a comprehensive air defense system akin to Israel's Iron Dome, which is designed to intercept low-flying threats.
As Belgium grapples with its defense strategy, experts are calling for immediate action to bolster national security and protect vital infrastructure from evolving threats.
