Three Belgian soldiers were injured in a live firing incident during a military training exercise in Scotland, Belgium’s Ministry of Defence has confirmed. The incident occurred at the Tain Air Weapons Range in Easter Ross on Monday at 13:16.

Alongside the three wounded, approximately 10 other soldiers suffered hearing damage, according to Belgian defence officials.

The Scottish Ambulance Service responded swiftly, deploying two helicopters—one operated by Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance—and three ambulances. Trauma teams and a doctor were also dispatched to the scene. Two of the injured were airlifted to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, while a third was taken by road to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness.

Tain, a major weapons training area, hosts live-fire exercises for both air and ground forces. The injured soldiers were part of a larger contingent of about 600 Belgian personnel participating in Exercise Red Condor, a joint operation based out of Kinloss Barracks in Moray. The exercise, which includes military helicopters and other assets, runs until 21 May and involves collaboration with NATO and UK forces.

Of the three soldiers hospitalized, two remain in stable condition, with one scheduled for surgery in Scotland before being flown back to Belgium. The third soldier sustained only minor injuries and has since been discharged.

Belgium's Defence Ministry stated that the incident occurred during a scheduled training event, and an investigation has been launched to establish the precise circumstances. Families of the injured have been informed.

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever took to social media to express his concern and support for the injured soldiers, who are members of the Third Parachute Battalion. He extended his well-wishes for their recovery and sympathy to their families.

A spokesperson for the UK Ministry of Defence said: “We are aware of an incident during an exercise in Scotland involving foreign national military personnel. Our thoughts are with all those affected.”

The Tain Air Weapons Range spans 2,700 acres along the Dornoch Firth and is routinely used by UK forces, the US Air Force, and NATO troops.

The site was previously the focus of safety concerns following the death of L/Cpl Joe Spencer of the 3rd Battalion The Rifles in 2016. An inquiry into the incident concluded that the fatal accident could have been prevented with proper safety measures.

Authorities are now working to determine whether similar risks played a role in the latest incident.