Belgium has strengthened its counter-UAV defenses by purchasing BLAZE kamikaze drones from Latvia, adding a new capability to identify and intercept hostile unmanned aerial vehicles. The acquisition forms part of a 50-million-euro ($57 million) counter-drone package, though officials have not specified how much of that total is dedicated to the Latvian-built system from Origin Robotics.
Beyond the immediate procurement, Belgium is preparing a major long-term investment in anti-drone technology. Government sources report that Brussels plans to channel approximately 500 million euros ($579 million) into a modernized counter-UAV framework. This future effort will introduce cutting-edge radar sensors and more powerful jamming tools designed to counter emerging drone threats, though details regarding implementation timelines remain undisclosed.
The newly acquired BLAZE system is designed as a lightweight, man-portable interceptor capable of destroying fast-moving UAVs and loitering munitions. Equipped with a high-explosive fragmentation payload, BLAZE integrates radar guidance with electro-optical and infrared sensors to track and classify targets. Its AI-based recognition system enhances detection accuracy, while operators retain control through mandatory target confirmation before launch.
Safety and reliability are built into the system through layered protective features, including a final-phase mission abort option and an autonomous self-destruct mechanism that triggers under specific conditions such as communication loss or flight outside the approved mission zone. For operational efficiency, BLAZE ships in a compact case that functions as both launcher and charger, enabling assembly in under 10 minutes. The system supports sequential launches within minutes, making it ideal for rapid-response counter-drone missions.
