Belgium and the Netherlands have been thrust into the international spotlight after authorities foiled what prosecutors described as a "jihadist-inspired terrorist attack" targeting high-profile right-wing politicians, using a drone loaded with explosives. The chilling revelation has not only sent shockwaves through the political landscape but also reignited urgent debates about the dangers posed by easily accessible commercial drone technology and the mounting threat of terrorism in Europe.
On October 9, 2025, Belgian police arrested three suspects in Antwerp following coordinated raids that involved explosives sniffer dogs. According to BBC, the raids were part of a broader investigation into "attempted terrorist murder and participation in the activities of a terrorist group." During the searches, authorities discovered a device resembling a homemade bomb—though not operational at the time—a bag of steel balls, and a 3D printer believed to have been used to fabricate parts for the planned attack. The evidence pointed to an intention to build a drone capable of carrying an explosive payload.
Prosecutors said the suspects, born between 2001 and 2007, had no prior criminal records, though some were already known to police. The Belgian Federal Police told Euractiv that the young men were motivated by jihadist ideology. One of the raids took place just a few hundred meters from the home of Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, who was identified as a primary target. Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prevot confirmed De Wever was among those threatened, calling the news "extremely shocking" and emphasizing the "very real terrorist threat" facing the country.
Flemish media, including VTM NIEUWS, reported that other potential targets included Antwerp mayor Els van Doesburg and Dutch far-right leader Geert Wilders. All three are prominent right-wing politicians, and the implications of the plot have reverberated across both countries. Wilders, an outspoken critic of Islam and leader of the Party for Freedom (PVV), responded by suspending his campaign activities for the upcoming Dutch general election, scheduled for October 29, 2025. "Until I know for sure, I’m not going anywhere," Wilders posted on social media, echoing his deep concern about the threat. He also canceled an appearance at an election debate, stating that he would await the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
The Belgian Interior Minister Bernard Quintin confirmed in an interview with VTM that both Belgian and foreign politicians were targeted, though he did not elaborate further. The suspects' intention, Belgian prosecutors said, "was to carry out a jihadi-inspired terrorist attack targeting politicians." The case has led to renewed scrutiny of security measures for political figures, especially those known for their controversial views.
The threat, however, extends far beyond individual politicians. As DRONELIFE reported, the plot highlights how commercial drones—widely available for recreational and professional use—can be repurposed into low-cost delivery platforms for improvised explosives. Similar incidents have been documented in conflict zones and at major public events, raising the stakes for airspace security across Europe. "Drones are a big problem. Islamism is too, but we’ve known that for a while," Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken posted on social media, underscoring the dual challenge of technological and ideological threats.
Authorities believe that the suspects' use of a 3D printer to manufacture parts for the drone attack marks a new level of sophistication. Ann Lukowiak, spokeswoman for the federal prosecutor, told BBC that this was the first time there were indications Belgium could be targeted with a drone, "although the phenomenon was already there in neighbouring countries." The suspects were taken into custody after a judge ordered searches of their homes in Antwerp. One of the three was released due to lack of evidence, while the other two were expected to appear before an investigating judge.
Belgium has seen a surge in terrorism investigations, with more than 80 cases opened so far in 2025—already exceeding the total number for 2024. This uptick does not include proceedings involving minors, and comes on the heels of a 2023 plot to attack De Wever while he was mayor of Antwerp, for which five people were convicted in April 2025. The current case has prompted Belgian officials to raise alarms about the growing threat posed by both radicalization and drone technology.
For Wilders, the threat is all too familiar. He has lived under round-the-clock protection for years due to repeated extremist threats. His Party for Freedom currently leads opinion polls ahead of the Dutch election, which was called after the PVV quit the ruling coalition over disagreements on migration policy. Dutch Justice Minister Foort van Oosten voiced support for Wilders, stating on X that he had requested the Dutch counterterrorism office "do everything necessary to enable Mr. Wilders to resume his work as soon as he wishes." He added, "I will never accept that politicians can’t do their work because of threats."
The case has also reignited debate over counter-drone measures across Europe. As DRONELIFE noted, European countries like Germany, France, and the Netherlands are ramping up their counter-unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) initiatives, combining radar, radio frequency detection, and signal jamming technologies. Germany recently introduced legislation allowing police to disable or destroy rogue drones posing imminent threats, while France and the Netherlands continue to test integrated detection networks around airports and government buildings.
Security experts argue that while detection is important, the real challenge lies in identifying intent in real time—distinguishing between a drone used innocently for photography and one configured for attack. This complexity is pushing regulators to expand no-fly zones and commercial drone operators to advocate for better digital identification tools. The legitimate drone industry, meanwhile, worries about the risk of overregulation stifling innovation. Industry groups are calling for balanced regulation that strengthens national security without undermining commercial expansion.
The suspects in the Belgian case face charges related to attempted terrorist murder and participation in a terrorist group. As the investigation continues, authorities in both Belgium and the Netherlands are reviewing security protocols and considering further steps to protect public figures. Meanwhile, the broader European public is left grappling with the unsettling reality that the tools of modern life—like drones and 3D printers—can be turned into weapons in the hands of those intent on violence.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Prime Minister De Wever sought to lighten the mood, posting a photo on Instagram of himself with his cat Maximus and joking, "Maximus, can you catch a drone?" The cat, in a speech bubble, replied, "Catch a dream? I’m up there with the best of them." For now, the threat has been averted, but the incident serves as a stark reminder that vigilance, innovation, and international cooperation remain essential in the ever-evolving fight against terrorism.