Since the beginning of 2026, the use of small boats to cross the Channel has increasingly affected the Belgian coast. The acting governor of West Flanders, Koen Surdiacourt, has worked to strengthen cooperation between local and federal police services and coordination between local police zones. Drone surveillance was tested during the summer as a preventive measure on both the western and eastern parts of the coast.

The trials involved two systems. On the eastern coast, police tested a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drone designed to scan large areas over long distances. On the western coast, a Drone in a Box system was used, with drones stationed in docking units and ready to be deployed to specific locations when suspicious situations arose. At an evaluation meeting on 10 September, participants highlighted the complementary nature of the two systems.

The coastal police zones plan to allocate a joint budget in their respective budgets to develop drone surveillance structurally in 2027, subject to external funding. The authorities will first explore funding opportunities through the Federal Public Service Interior. The acting governor will inform the Minister of the Interior of the meeting's conclusions, and the matter is scheduled for follow-up at the next meeting of coastal mayors on 2 October.

For further information, please consult the official communication of the Governor of West Flanders (in Dutch).