On the news show of Flemish independent broadcaster VTM Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken (Flemish nationalist N-VA - pictured left) has responded to a broadcast of Pano, VRT’s flagship current affairs programme, in which allegations were made in connection with defence contracts. The minister was keen to emphasise that the law had been followed in all instances. ‘The law states that a specific procedure must be followed for urgent purchases, and that procedure was followed’ he noted. The Belgian defence ministry has meanwhile rejected the allegations made by Pano.
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Defence minister Francken insists ‘law was followed to the letter’ in anti-drone equipment procurement
Colin Clapson
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The broadcast levelled allegations in connection with the fast-tracked procurement of anti-drone equipment.
Francken also says that the parliamentary committee on military procurement approved everything, with the exception of one abstention. “All other lawmakers were in favour, including the opposition, which is now making such a fuss.”
Francken went on to speak of “very serious allegations that are completely unfounded”. “People are trying to create a certain atmosphere, which I find regrettable.”
Francken declined an interview with Pano and subsequently refused to comment on the programme. VRT News has asked the minister to respond on several occasions both yesterday and today.
Speaking in parliament on Thursday Francken admitted that the so-called drone in footage from Brussels Airport last year was actually a police helicopter searching for a drone following a report. Francken answered MPs' questions in the Chamber of Representatives following yesterday’s broadcast by Pano.
According to the Defence Minister, there is no link between the drone report from Brussels Airport and the urgency he invoked, needed in connection with the procurement dossier for anti-drone equipment.
"Prices charged in line with market rates"
The Belgian Defence Ministry has meanwhile defended its purchase of anti-drone equipment worth 50 million euros and regrets what it calls the “insinuations and sensationalism” in the Pano report broadcast by the VRT last night. According to the Defence Ministry the prices charged are in line with market rates and have been audited, and the fast-track procedure was carried out in accordance with the law.
Following the drone incident over the Elsenborn military base in October 2025, it became clear that the Belgian Defence Ministry did not have sufficient resources to detect and neutralise drones. As a result, negotiations were started without prior notification, in accordance with legislation dating from 13 August 2011 on public procurement in the defence and security sectors. The federal cabinet approved the dossier following a favourable recommendation from the Parliamentary Select Committee on Military Procurement, the Defence Ministry says.
The Defence Ministry also responds to the comparisons to other suppliers made by VRT Pano, arguing these are “by no means correct”. According to the Defence Ministry, manufacturer Senhive’s radio frequency antennas are not the basic version, but a professional military version (SEN PRO), which is also used within the Belgian-French CAMO project and whose price was verified via the partner country.
The Defence Ministry responded sharply to Pano’s report. “We regret the insinuations and the atmosphere created, as if improper practices had taken place and certain companies had been favoured,” the ministry told press agency Belga. The Defence Ministry considers “such framing” not only “regrettable” but also “unworthy”.
Pano and VRT’s team of journalists have repeatedly and persistently asked Chief of the Defence Staff Frederik Vansina for a response, but he declined to comment.