Britain deploys specialist RAF team to protect Belgium from..

The Defence Secretary and his military chief have revealed that Britain is deploying a specialist Royal Air Force team to help protect Belgian skies following continued sightings of "illegal" drones.

The ground unit will be equipped with equipment that can track and shoot down unmanned aerial systems.

It is not yet clear who is responsible for the drone incursions, which forced the temporary closure of the country's main airport near Brussels and also affected Belgian military bases.

However, there are fears that they may be linked to Russia.

Other NATO countries, including Denmark and Germany, have faced similar problems.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, speaking to Trevor Phillips on Sky News, said that his Belgian counterpart had called him to request British support.

"I had my Belgian opposite number - the chief of the defence staff - in touch with me this week, seeking our help to track and potentially defeat the drones," he said.

"We agreed with the defence secretary on Friday that we would send our people and our equipment into Belgium to help them with the current problem they have got there."

Defence Secretary John Healey said: "When our NATO allies call, we step up. Belgium has requested urgent assistance to counter drone activity on its military bases, so I have directed a small team of RAF specialists to deploy immediately."

"As hybrid threats grow, our strength lies in our alliances and our collective resolve to defend, deter and protect our critical infrastructure and airspace."

The RAF team is trained and equipped to combat drones.