Belgium to Enhance Military Capabilities with Major Defense Spending
In a significant shift in military strategy, the Belgian government has approved plans on Friday to substantially increase its defense capabilities, including the procurement of additional F-35 jets, a new frigate, and a multi-billion-euro investment in air defense systems. This move comes as Belgium seeks to address longstanding capability gaps after years of minimal defense spending relative to other NATO members.
As outlined by Defense Minister Theo Francken in the preface of the 100-page Strategic Vision 2025 report, Belgium’s military is undergoing a comprehensive transformation aimed at preparing for high-intensity conflict scenarios rather than just expeditionary missions. The strategy also includes expanding the military personnel by approximately 33% by 2034.
“For a nation like Belgium, maintaining freedom and sovereignty is contingent upon aligning with strong, dependable allies,” Francken stated. “This can only be achieved if we ourselves are willing to demonstrate solidarity in defense matters.”
Earlier this year, the new Belgian administration committed to raising defense expenditures to 2% of GDP by 2025, amounting to €12.8 billion (US$14.9 billion). This is a significant increase from the 1.29% of GDP allocated in 2024, marking a departure from Belgium’s historical position near the bottom of NATO’s defense-spending rankings.
The strategic plan, unveiled on Friday, includes budgeting €34.8 billion for various military capabilities from 2026 to 2034, with €24.7 billion earmarked for spending within that period.
“These concrete commitments aim to restore our nation’s diplomatic credibility,” said Francken, emphasizing the strategic necessity of the updated defense posture.
The report identifies several priority areas for investment due to years of underfunding. These include making the medium motorized brigade fully operational, establishing multi-tiered air defenses, enhancing munitions stocks for readiness, increasing air-combat capabilities, and expanding maritime surface-combat capacities.
The forthcoming acquisitions include 11 more F-35 fighters, costing €1.67 billion, with orders scheduled for next year. Belgium has already acquired 34 of these jets, with eight already delivered and the full fleet expected to be operational by early 2031.
Addressing high-intensity operations and emerging threats such as drones and hypersonic missiles, the report underscores the critical need to bolster the air force. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has particularly highlighted the strategic importance of air power in preventing military stalemates.
Currently, Belgium lacks any ground-based missile defense systems. The country plans to acquire 10 NASAMS systems from Kongsberg for €2 billion, with orders beginning in 2026, as a first step towards establishing a comprehensive anti-air capability focused on defending key infrastructures and the entire territory. Belgium, which hosts NATO’s headquarters in Brussels and Europe’s second-largest port in Antwerp, recognizes the strategic importance of these locations.
Additionally, the government plans to invest in three long-range air-defense systems, budgeted at €2 billion, with initial commitments expected in 2029. These systems will be fully interoperable with the air-defense capabilities of the Netherlands, which currently operates the U.S. Patriot system.
Over the budget period, Belgium also plans to invest €13.9 billion in its land motorized capabilities, including €6 billion specifically for combat maneuvers. The country is committed to providing NATO with various brigades and battalions, in collaboration with Luxembourg.
The medium brigade, consisting of approximately 7,800 troops and 2,700 vehicles, is expected to be fully operational by 2030, particularly within a NATO framework.
In terms of naval power, Belgium intends to acquire a third anti-submarine warfare frigate for €1.3 billion. This is in addition to the two ASW frigates already ordered from Damen in 2023, with the Netherlands also doubling its order as part of increased defense expenditures.
Another planned purchase is a third MQ-9B SkyGuardian drone in 2027, budgeted at €254 million.
Following a NATO meeting in June, which set a new baseline for defense spending at 3.5% of GDP, the Belgian government will consider further increases in defense spending, according to Francken. Based on current plans and economic forecasts, Belgian defense spending is expected to gradually increase to €16.5 billion by 2033, before rising to €21.3 billion in 2034.
The strategic goals for 2035 focus on preparing for high-intensity military conflicts, defending Belgian territory, and anticipating the nature of future warfare. The government aims to increase military personnel to 29,000 by the end of 2029, reaching 34,500 by the end of 2034, up from 26,200 troops at the start of this year. Additionally, the number of civilian defense staff will more than triple, and the reserve force will expand five-fold to 12,800 by the end of the planning period. A voluntary military service year for young adults will also be introduced in 2026, inspired by the Dutch service-year program that started in 2023.
Francken highlighted the increased risk of war, greater than at any time during the Cold War, and noted Belgium’s overall lack of readiness. With the U.S. focusing more on Asia, Europe is compelled to achieve a degree of strategic autonomy, and Belgium advocates for the development of a European defense pillar within NATO.
The report also warns that an end to the conflict in Ukraine could prompt Russia to test NATO’s solidarity, potentially through aggressive actions against a Baltic state or targeted missile attacks on alliance members, including Belgium.
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Jamal Peterson reports on defense, aerospace, and tech policy. With a military background and a strategic mind, he dissects complex subjects with clarity, offering readers sharp, reliable insights.
