- Belgium has selected Origin Robotics’ BLAZE interceptor as part of a $58 million counter‑drone package to address escalating unmanned aerial incursions.
- Defense Minister Theo Francken also announced a $580 million long‑term anti‑drone program to expand national airspace protection.
Belgium has selected the BLAZE autonomous interceptor, developed by Latvia-based Origin Robotics, as part of a newly approved €50 million ($58 million) national counter-drone package aimed at immediately reinforcing the country’s ability to detect and neutralize aerial threats.
According to Origin Robotics, the selection comes in response to “several weeks of escalating drone incursions over airports, military facilities and critical infrastructure.”
Belgian authorities have faced repeated disruptions to air traffic and recently relied on support from Germany and the United Kingdom due to inadequate counter-drone capacity.
In a statement, Agris Kipurs, CEO and co-founder of Origin Robotics, said, “This decision reaffirms Origin Robotics as a leading company in the field of advanced autonomous defense systems. In essence, this is a major statement of confidence. Belgium is facing an immediate security problem and has chosen BLAZE as the solution. We are proud to support a NATO ally with a system built for exactly this type of threat environment and we remain committed to delivering reliable, cost-effective and rapidly deployable capabilities.”
The Ministry of Defense described the acquisition as part of a short-term response plan to reestablish immediate operational resilience. Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken also announced a long-term €500 million ($580 million) national anti-drone initiative aimed at sustained capability development.
Unveiled in May 2025, BLAZE is an AI-powered unmanned aerial interceptor designed to autonomously detect, track and engage hostile drones and loitering munitions. The system incorporates radar-based detection, computer vision, and operator-authorized autonomy, and is capable of intercepting targets using airburst fragmentation. BLAZE features man-portable design, quick deployment, and safety mechanisms such as return-to-operator and self-neutralization protocols.
“Belgium is facing an immediate security problem and has chosen BLAZE as the solution,” Kipurs said. “We are proud to support a NATO ally with a system built for exactly this type of threat environment.”
The company markets the system with the phrases “One operator. Multiple robots. Infinite tactical advantage,” and “Modular, attritable, autonomous UGV swarms integrating into human formations now.”
The company previously deployed its BEAK system with the Latvian and Ukrainian Armed Forces and is recognized in both national and European Union defense programs.