Belgium will install a NASAMS short-range air-defence battery and a dedicated anti-drone system at the Port of Antwerp by 2027, Prime Minister Bart De Wever confirmed on 26 February 2026. The announcement follows repeated drone incursions that last year temporarily shut down a military airbase and disrupted airport operations. Port CEO Jacques Vandermeiren said unregistered drones have flown over sensitive sites such as BASF’s chemical complex and the Doel nuclear station, underscoring the need for layered protection of Europe’s second-largest container hub. (brusselstimes.com)
The NASAMS (Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) is capable of intercepting drones, cruise missiles and fighter aircraft at ranges up to 40 km. Defence analysts note it is uncommon for a commercial port to receive its own battery, signalling the strategic importance of Antwerp to EU energy, automotive and chemical supply chains. (kelo.com)
![Belgium to Deploy NASAMS Air-Defence & Anti-Drone Shield at Port of Antwerp]()
From a global-mobility perspective, enhanced security is a double-edged sword. While business travellers and logistics operators may welcome lower risk of drone-induced shutdowns, the Defence Ministry has hinted at temporary exclusion zones during installation and testing phases—potentially affecting helicopter transfers and VIP flights that use the port’s heliport. Freight forwarders should also prepare for stricter access controls and possible convoy escorts for high-value cargo.
In this context, companies and individual travellers can streamline their Belgium-bound preparations through VisaHQ. The service offers rapid online processing for visas and other travel documents, plus real-time updates on local security advisories—crucial when planning site visits to the Port of Antwerp during the NASAMS deployment and testing period. Find out more at https://www.visahq.com/belgium/
Officials have not revealed the exact siting of the battery but say the first elements will arrive in 2027, with full operational capability the following year. Project financing will come from a mix of federal defence funds and port authority revenues; procurement documents are expected in Q2 2026. (brusselstimes.com)
The NASAMS (Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) is capable of intercepting drones, cruise missiles and fighter aircraft at ranges up to 40 km. Defence analysts note it is uncommon for a commercial port to receive its own battery, signalling the strategic importance of Antwerp to EU energy, automotive and chemical supply chains. (kelo.com)
From a global-mobility perspective, enhanced security is a double-edged sword. While business travellers and logistics operators may welcome lower risk of drone-induced shutdowns, the Defence Ministry has hinted at temporary exclusion zones during installation and testing phases—potentially affecting helicopter transfers and VIP flights that use the port’s heliport. Freight forwarders should also prepare for stricter access controls and possible convoy escorts for high-value cargo.
In this context, companies and individual travellers can streamline their Belgium-bound preparations through VisaHQ. The service offers rapid online processing for visas and other travel documents, plus real-time updates on local security advisories—crucial when planning site visits to the Port of Antwerp during the NASAMS deployment and testing period. Find out more at https://www.visahq.com/belgium/
Officials have not revealed the exact siting of the battery but say the first elements will arrive in 2027, with full operational capability the following year. Project financing will come from a mix of federal defence funds and port authority revenues; procurement documents are expected in Q2 2026. (brusselstimes.com)
