Belgium’s new federal government is to invest substantially more in defence. The coalition agreement states it plans to allocate 2 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) to defence spending by 2029, as called for by NATO. By 2034, this should be 2.5 per cent. Emphasis is on additional new equipment, greater operating resources and replenishing military stocks.
It is a concern that NATO has complained about for years: Belgium spends too little on defence. Last year, Belgium spent 1.3 per cent of GDP on defence. The new government wants to change this. By 2029, it wants to reach the NATO norm of 2 per cent; by 2034, this should be further increased to 2.5 per cent.
Belgium is an important member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. Brussels hosts the alliance's headquarters, and the city of Mons is home to the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), the central command centre of NATO's military forces. In addition, Belgium plays a vital role in NATO's nuclear deterrence capability and the port of Antwerp is very important for supplying NATO troops in Europe.
The new government has understood the demand from NATO and the United States to do more for defence and is announcing additional investments.
Which new investments are planned?
In air defence: currently, Belgium has no land-based air defences. The war in Ukraine has shown that a high-performance air defence system can be very useful.
In additional fighter aircraft. Belgium has 34 F35 aircraft on order, to replace the existing F16 fleet. NATO would like to see Belgium operate 45 aircraft as a matter of ensuring a solid nuclear deterrent.
In smaller transport aircraft. Currently, Belgium has 7 A400M type transport aircraft, with one Luxembourg aircraft joining the binational fleet. Some observers say the A400M is often too big for our air force. The Netherlands, for example, has ordered 5 smaller C390 aircraft from Brazilian manufacturer Embraer.
In an operational helicopter fleet.
In a third frigate. Currently, the Belgian navy operates 2 frigates. These will be replaced by 2 new vessels from 2032 onwards. One more will now be added.
In mine-combating capacity.
In armaments and drones.
In electronic warfare.
More resources
More money is being spent on operating resources. In the past, these were often cut back, which meant, for instance, less training. However, a well-trained defence force is essential.
More cash is also needed to replenish ammunition and strategic stocks. Recent years have shown that our ammunition stockpile was limited and threatened to get us into trouble if we delivered too many ammunitions to Ukraine.
More personnel
Currently, the Belgian army has 25,000 troops. By 2030, the government wants to increase that number to 29,100 personnel. Fit and motivated civilians over 30 and 50 will also be recruited.
The government also has plans gradually to raise the retirement age for military personnel from 56 now to the same level as other professionals later.
Military service, which was suspended in 1993, will not return. However, the government does want to create a 12-month voluntary military service for young people.
Finally, the new government also wants to build an adequately trained combat reserve as well as a reserve to defend Belgium’s territory.