Belgium Acquires Latvian Kamikaze Drones for Counter-UAV Operations
Belgium has purchased defensive kamikaze drones from Latvia, designed to detect and neutralize hostile unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), Reuters reported.
The deal for Origin Robotics’ autonomous “BLAZE” drones was signed in Riga by Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken, with delivery expected in two weeks.
According to Reuters, the purchase falls under a 50-million-euro ($57 million) counter-drone package, though the Belgian ministry did not specify the share earmarked for Origin Robotics.
Moreover, Brussels reportedly intends to invest 500 million euros ($579 million) in an expanded counter-drone program featuring next-generation radar systems and enhanced jamming capabilities. Yet no timeline has been announced for its completion.
BLAZE Drone
BLAZE is a man-portable system designed to destroy hostile drones, including fast-moving UAVs and loitering munitions.
It carries a high-explosive fragmentation warhead and combines radar guidance with electro-optical/infrared sensors and AI-based recognition to detect, identify, and lock onto targets, with operator confirmation required before engagement.
The system includes layered safety measures, a mission-termination function available through the final approach phase, and a self-destruct mechanism that activates if the drone leaves its designated area, loses communication, or experiences a critical failure.
Designed for rapid deployment, BLAZE is transported in a case that serves as both launcher and charging unit.
It can be assembled without tools in under 10 minutes, and supports sequential launches within minutes.
Spike in Drone Incursions
The acquisition follows months of reported drone activity near Belgian military and strategic sites, including airports and a nuclear facility.
In early November, soldiers were authorized to shoot down unidentified drones over defense installations as sightings continued to rise.
Belgian authorities have indicated that the incidents could be linked to Russian activity, while Moscow has denied any involvement.
Francken has previously said that Belgium is likely being monitored due to the large volume of Russian assets frozen at Euroclear, the Brussels-based depository that manages and settles securities for global investors.
