Unidentified drones were spotted hovering near Volkel Air Base in the Netherlands, a facility used by Nato. The Dutch defence ministry said military personnel deployed weapons to try to shoot the drones down between 19:00 and 21:00 local time on Friday; the devices departed and were never recovered. The incident marks another disruption linked to a wave of drone sightings around northern European bases, raising security concerns for air traffic and personnel.
Drones were seen near the base and targeted by security measures; authorities have provided few details for security reasons, and the Netherlands police are investigating. No group or origin has been publicly confirmed.
Similar sightings have been reported at other Dutch air bases and facilities in Belgium, Denmark and Germany. Some officials have described the incidents as potential hybrid warfare, though Russia denies involvement. In response, defence ministers from 10 EU countries agreed to pursue a “drone wall” and to strengthen anti-drone defenses. The investigations continue as European security agencies weigh how to protect critical airspace and minimize disruption to air traffic.