What Really Happened During Belgium's 1989–1990 UFO Wave?

The 1989–1990 Wave: Belgium’s Most Documented UFO Incident

The so‑called Belgian UFO wave began on 29 November 1989, near Eupen in eastern Belgium, when police officers and civilians reported strange lights and large, silent triangular objects in the sky. Over the following months, similar sightings recurred nationwide, especially around Wallonia and near Brussels.[UFOs Wiki]ufos.wikiWiki Belgium UFO WaveBelgium UFO Wave - UFOs Wiki…

Military Engagement and Radar Corroboration

The event peaked on the night of 30–31 March 1990, known in ufology as “La Nuit des F‑16”. On that night, two Belgian Air Force F‑16 fighter jets were scrambled to investigate objects that appeared on multiple radar installations. Radar data showed unidentified targets moving in ways that did not match known aircraft behaviour, prompting internal reports by the Force Aérienne Belge (Belgian Air Force). These logs and trace reports, released in archives decades later, detail radar locks and manoeuvres that confounded conventional explanations.[UFO Transparency]ufotransparency.comintl be salmon radar report rapport lt col salmon f16 radar 1990 03 31UFO TransparencyLt. Col. Salmon F-16 Radar Trace Report — Night of 30–31 March 1990, Belgian Air Force (Force Aérienne Belge) · 1990 · UF…Published: March 1990

Thousands of civilian witnesses also submitted sighting reports during this period — estimates range widely depending on source and methodology, but figures often cited exceed several thousands of individual accounts.[Now Declassified]nowdeclassified.comNow DeclassifiedBelgian UFO Wave — NATO F-16 Pursuit — State Dept Declassified UAP File | Now DeclassifiedMarch 30, 1990…Published: March 30, 1990

The Petit‑Rechain Photograph

One of the most enduring images associated with the wave came from Petit‑Rechain near Liège — a photograph depicting a black triangular object with lights. This image was analysed by scientific institutions, including NASA and the Belgian Royal Military Academy, without conclusive identification. For years UFO researchers treated it as compelling evidence; however, the photographer later admitted he staged the image as a hoax, adding controversy to its evidential weight.[Wikipedia]

Investigations, Research Groups, and Government Response

SOBEPS and Civilian Study

The Société belge d’étude des phénomènes spatiaux (SOBEPS) was a Belgian research organisation that documented hundreds of sightings and attempted systematic study of the wave. SOBEPS compiled reports, published analyses, and interacted with government and military sources. Its work became a focal point for both believers and critics.[bibliotecapleyades.net]bibliotecapleyades.netUF O Briefing DocUFO Briefing Doc - 1989-1990: UFO SIGHTING WAVE IN BELGIUM…

Official Military Documentation

Official files from the Belgian Air Force, including the Lt. Col. Salmon radar report, record detailed operational data from the March 1990 intercepts. These reports are noteworthy because they represent an unusual instance of a national air force publicly acknowledging radar tracks and interceptor engagement with unidentified phenomena, even if they stop short of attributing them to specific non‑terrestrial origins.[UFO Transparency]ufotransparency.comintl be salmon radar report rapport lt col salmon f16 radar 1990 03 31UFO TransparencyLt. Col. Salmon F-16 Radar Trace Report — Night of 30–31 March 1990, Belgian Air Force (Force Aérienne Belge) · 1990 · UF…Published: March 1990

Sceptical and Scientific Analysis

Sceptics and some scientific analyses offered alternative interpretations of the Belgian wave. Critiques argue that mass media attention, expectant perception, misidentifications of conventional aircraft or atmospheric phenomena, and social contagion could explain much of the sighting reports without invoking non‑earthly vehicles. Other analyses emphasise that radar anomalies or pilot reports do not necessarily imply extraterrestrial technology.[Wikipedia]

Regional and Later Sightings

While the 1989–1990 events dominate Belgium’s UFO lore, reported sightings have continued into the 21st century. Belgian UFO reporting networks, such as the UFO meldpunt België, recorded hundreds of sightings in recent years, although many lack sufficient detail for rigorous evaluation and may involve misidentified aircraft, satellites (e.g., SpaceX’s “starlink” trains), drones, or atmospheric effects. Sightings in 2024 marked a significant decline compared to earlier years, highlighting the variability of reported phenomena over time.[The Brussels Times]brusselstimes.comThe Brussels Times UFO sightings drop in Belgium 'unexplainedThe Brussels TimesUFO sightings drop in Belgium 'unexplained'January 2, 2025…Published: January 2, 2025

Cultural Resonance and Legacy

The Belgian UFO wave has left a notable imprint on cultural memory within Belgium and abroad. It inspired documentary treatments, numerous internet retrospectives, and remains a staple topic among UFO enthusiasts. A roadside memorial to a 1955 Belgian UFO claim existed until its removal in 2025 at the family’s request, indicating the local folkloric dimensions such phenomena can acquire over decades.[The Times]

Evidence Quality and Contested Claims

Confirmed Observations

• Radar tracks from Belgian Air Force networks in March 1990, showing echo returns inconsistent with standard aircraft transponders.[UFO Transparency]ufotransparency.comintl be salmon radar report rapport lt col salmon f16 radar 1990 03 31UFO TransparencyLt. Col. Salmon F-16 Radar Trace Report — Night of 30–31 March 1990, Belgian Air Force (Force Aérienne Belge) · 1990 · UF…Published: March 1990
• F‑16 scramble logs confirming interceptor flights and operational engagement with unidentified targets.[Wikipedia]

Contested or Debunked Claims

• Petit‑Rechain photograph, once treated as compelling visual evidence, was admitted to be staged by its photographer.[Wikipedia]
• Mass sighting totals vary widely depending on criteria for inclusion and timing of reports, with some retrospective compilations appearing unreliable due to delayed reporting.[Now Declassified]nowdeclassified.comNow DeclassifiedBelgian UFO Wave — NATO F-16 Pursuit — State Dept Declassified UAP File | Now DeclassifiedMarch 30, 1990…Published: March 30, 1990

Unexplained vs Explainable

Many reported sightings remain officially unexplained due to insufficient data, incomplete corroboration, or conflicting witness accounts. Explanations range from misidentified conventional aircraft (including experimental military flights) to natural phenomena and perceptual effects influenced by media attention. Scholarly debate continues about the proportion of sightings that can be attributed to known causes versus those that genuinely defy conventional categorisation.[Wikipedia]

Conclusion

Belgium’s role in UFO/UAP history is anchored in the 1989–1990 wave of sightings, an episode distinguished by widespread reporting, military engagement, and sustained debate. While no consensus exists on the ultimate nature of these phenomena, the Belgian case stands as a central example of how unidentified aerial reports can intersect with official records, media coverage, civilian research, scepticism, and cultural memory within a national context. The legacy persists in both contemporary reporting patterns and ongoing interest from researchers and the general public.[Wikipedia]

Amazon book picks

Further Reading

Books and field guides related to What Really Happened During Belgium's 1989–1990 UFO Wave?. Use these as the next step if you want deeper reading beyond the article.

Book

The UFO Experience

By Joseph Allen Hynek

Provides investigative context for major sighting waves.

See on Amazon

Book

Passport to Magonia: from Folklore to Flying Saucers

By Jacques Vallee

Explores recurring patterns behind large-scale UFO reports.

See on Amazon

Book

How UFOs Conquered the World

By David Clarke

Helps place the Belgian wave within wider UFO history.

See on Amazon

Book

UFOs

By Leslie Kean

Includes discussion of high-profile international UFO investigations.

See on Amazon

Browse more on Amazon: The UFO Experience Passport to Magonia: from Folklore to Flying Saucers How UFOs Conquered the World

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Endnotes

1. Source: Wikipedia
   Title: Belgian UFO wave
   Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belgian_UFO_wave

2. Source: Wikipedia
   Title: UFO sightings in Belgium
   Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_sightings_in_Belgium

3. Source: ufos.wiki
   Title: Wiki Belgium UFO Wave
   Link: https://www.ufos.wiki/case/belgium-ufo-wave/
   Source snippet

   Belgium UFO Wave - UFOs Wiki...

4. Source: bibliotecapleyades.net
   Title: UF O Briefing Doc
   Link: https://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/ciencia/ufo_briefingdocument/1990.htm
   Source snippet

   UFO Briefing Doc - 1989-1990: UFO SIGHTING WAVE IN BELGIUM...

5. Source: ufotransparency.com
   Title: intl be salmon radar report rapport lt col salmon f16 radar 1990 03 31
   Link: https://ufotransparency.com/files/intl-be-salmon-radar-report-rapport-lt-col-salmon-f16-radar-1990-03-31
   Source snippet

   UFO TransparencyLt. Col. Salmon F-16 Radar Trace Report — Night of 30–31 March 1990, Belgian Air Force (Force Aérienne Belge) · 1990 · UF...

   Published: March 1990

6. Source: nowdeclassified.com
   Link: https://www.nowdeclassified.com/incidents/belgian-ufo-wave-1990
   Source snippet

   Now DeclassifiedBelgian UFO Wave — NATO F-16 Pursuit — State Dept Declassified UAP File | Now DeclassifiedMarch 30, 1990...

   Published: March 30, 1990

7. Source: brusselstimes.com
   Title: The Brussels Times UFO sightings drop in Belgium ‘unexplained’
   Link: https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/1375246/ufo-sightings-drop-in-belgium-unexplained/
   Source snippet

   The Brussels TimesUFO sightings drop in Belgium 'unexplained'January 2, 2025...

   Published: January 2, 2025

8. Source: thetimes.co.uk
   Title: The Times Belgian UFO sighting memorial removed at family’s request
   Link: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/belgian-ufo-sighting-memorial-removed-at-familys-request-7mmv2bbqh
   Source snippet

   The marble stone, which had been restored earlier in 2025 to mark the 70th anniversary of the event, honored Vandercruyssen’s claim that...

9. Source: viralufos.com
   Title: belgian ufo wave
   Link: https://www.viralufos.com/modern-encounters/belgian-ufo-wave/
   Source snippet

   Mysterious Sightings of 1989-1990June 10, 2024 — BELGIAN UFO WAVE (1989-1990) ByOrion Hathway June 10, 2024June 11, 2024 The Belgian UFO...

   Published: June 10, 2024

10. Source: ufocasebook.com
    Link: https://www.ufocasebook.com/Belgium.html
    Source snippet

    The Belgium UFO Wave, 1989, UFO Casebook Case FilesTHE BELGIUM UFO WAVE Image: UFO photo, Belgium Of all the reports of UFO sightings, so...

11. Source: ufofiles.app
    Link: https://ufofiles.app/case-files/belgian-ufo-wave/
    Source snippet

    76 /100 QUICK FACTS Date 1989-1990 Location Belgium Case Ty...

Additional References

1. Source: enigmalabs.io
   Link: https://enigmalabs.io/explore/be
   Source snippet

   UFO Sightings in Belgium | Enigma LabsShare UFO Sighting MOBILE APP FOR UFO SIGHTING STORIES AND REAL-TIME ALERTS DOWNLOAD THE APP Join E...

2. Source: brusselstimes.com
   Title: more ufo reports in flanders but fewer in french speaking belgium in 2023
   Link: https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/859309/more-ufo-reports-in-flanders-but-fewer-in-french-speaking-belgium-in-2023
   Source snippet

   More UFO reports in Flanders, but fewer in French-speaking Belgium in 2023January 2, 2024 — More UFO reports in Flanders, but fewer in Fr...

   Published: January 2, 2024

3. Source: ufoinsight.com
   Title: The Belgian UFO Wave – A Truly Unique Display Of The Unknown
   Link: https://www.ufoinsight.com/ufos/waves/belgian-ufo-wave
   Source snippet

   UFO InsightMarch 12, 2018 — THE BELGIAN UFO WAVE – A TRULY UNIQUE DISPLAY OF THE UNKNOWN By Marcus Lowth Image: Published Date March 12...

   Published: March 12, 2018

4. Source: ufomeldpunt.be
   Title: be Iets gespot in het luchtruim dat u niet meteen kan verklaren?
   Link: https://ufomeldpunt.be/
   Source snippet

   MELD HET BIJ HET BELGISCH UFO-MELDPUNT UFO melden Aantal UFO-meldingen sinds oprichting meldpunt in 2007: 4156 UFO-meldingen 2026: 1...

5. Source: discoveryuk.com
   Title: The Belgian UFO Wave: Close Encounter or Mass Hysteria?
   Link: https://www.discoveryuk.com/mysteries/the-belgian-ufo-wave-close-encounter-or-mass-hysteria/
   Source snippet

   Discovery UKSeptember 3, 2024 — THE BELGIAN UFO WAVE: CLOSE ENCOUNTER OR MASS HYSTERIA? Between November 1989 and March 1990 all over Bel...

   Published: September 3, 2024

6. Source: cde.news
   Title: belgium records sharp rise in ufo sightings in 2025
   Link: https://cde.news/belgium-records-sharp-rise-in-ufo-sightings-in-2025/
   Source snippet

   January 5, 2026 — BELGIUM RECORDS SHARP RISE IN UFO SIGHTINGS IN 2025 5th January 20265th January 2026 408 1 Min Read Image Belgium’s UFO...

   Published: January 5, 2026

7. Source: brusselstimes.com
   Title: Hundreds of reported UFO sightings in Belgium
   Link: https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/1041838/hundreds-of-reported-ufo-sightings-in-belgium/
   Source snippet

   May 11, 2024 — Hundreds of reported UFO sightings in Belgium MOST READ HUNDREDS OF REPORTED UFO SIGHTINGS IN BELGIUM Saturday 11 May 2024...

   Published: May 11, 2024

8. Source: spacepage.be
   Title: De Belgische UFO-golf: het luchtruimmysterie dat België in zijn greep hield
   Link: https://www.spacepage.be/artikelen/buitenaards-leven/ufo-waarnemingen/de-belgische-ufo-golf-het-luchtruimmysterie-dat-belgi%C3%AB-in-zijn-greep-hield.html
   Source snippet

   Christiaens Hoofdcategorie: Buitenaards leven Image Foto: Kris Christiaens De Belgische UFO-g...

9. Source: sciencetechniz.com
   Title: Belgium Declassified UFO Historical Archives
   Link: https://www.sciencetechniz.com/2026/01/belgium-declassified-ufo-historical.html
   Source snippet

   January 19, 2026 — Belgium Declassified UFO Historical Archives - Science Techniz BELGIUM DECLASSIFIED UFO HISTORICAL ARCHIVES January 19...

   Published: January 19, 2026

10. Source: tvi.show
    Title: Witness accounts and radar data together re
    Link: https://www.tvi.show/skywatch-files/the-1989-belgium-ufo-wave
    Source snippet

    The 1989 Belgium UFO Wave: Radar Confirmed Triangular UFOs & Military Jet PursuitsANALYSIS OF TRIANGULAR UFOS AND AERIAL PHENOMENA YouTub...