During the NATO Falcon Autumn exercises in Poland, Dutch troops observed unknown drones flying over the airfield where military personnel were camped. Additionally, communication between the troops was disrupted. This was reported by Ukrinform citing NOS.
“Dutch soldiers encountered suspicious drones during their training in Poland. The Dutch Ministry of Defense confirmed this information to NOS following a publication in the AD newspaper, also noting communication problems among the military,” said a spokesperson for the Dutch Ministry of Defense.
The report indicates that the military lacked any drone defense systems, which were delivered from the Netherlands shortly after the incidents.
“There was no immediate threat. We are quite far from the Russian border. We quickly assessed the situation and made adjustments,” stated Brigadier General Frank Grandia.
The Air Mobile Brigade of the Dutch Armed Forces has been in Poland for the past weeks as part of the extensive NATO Falcon Autumn exercises, which involve Poland and the United States. When the troops set up camp at the airfield, small drones unexpectedly appeared. It remains unclear who was behind the drone launches and the communication disruptions.
“We are aware that there are parties extremely interested in our activities and monitoring the exercises,” added Grandia.
It has been reported that changes were made to the training process. Subsequently, the drones departed.