Main information
- The Belgian government must decide on the purchase of 11 additional F-35 combat aircraft and the adoption of a new strategic vision for the defense.
- The planned expansion of the Belgian defense force will see an increase in staff of 26,200 soldiers to 34,500 by 2035, with a budget of 50 billion euros allocated to staff costs.
- Belgium plans to buy air defense systems, including pioruns and nasams, and to collaborate with Germany on short -range air defense systems.
The Belgian government is preparing to make a crucial decision on Friday on the acquisition of eleven additional F-35 combat aircraft and the adoption of a new strategic defense vision. This announcement was made by Defense Minister Theo Francken (N-VA) during a parliamentary session on Wednesday. Francken confirmed that the staff budget includes sufficient funds to respond to the concerns of military personnel in matters of social status.
Acquisition of the F-35
The restricted cabinet had already reached an agreement on the strategic vision of the defense, which extends until 2034, during a meeting preceding the NATO summit in Hague. However, the approval of additional F-35s depended on the resolution of political issues related to the more advantageous tax regime.
Francken has refrained from making a final statement concerning the acquisition of F-35 when presenting the strategic vision in the hemicycle, declaring that the final decision would be taken by the firm on Friday.
Expansion of the defense force
The planned expansion of the Belgian defense force will see an increase in staff of 26,200 soldiers, 2,300 civilians and 2,500 reservists to 34,500 soldiers, 8,500 civilians and 12,800 reservists by 2035. A budget of 50 billion euros is planned for staff costs.
Several parliamentarians have expressed their concern about the adequacy of this budget with the significant increase in the workforce.
Air defense systems
A significant part of the budget will be allocated to air defense systems, including Pioruns and Nasams. Belgium also plans to buy twenty skyrangers, a short -range mobile air defense system developed in Germany.
Francken noted that the collaboration of Belgium with Germany has been limited and suggested that this question be addressed because “Germany is becoming a leading force”.
Medical center
Francken confirmed that an agreement had finally been concluded after ten years for the establishment of a new medical center. During a visit to the Neder-Over-Heembeek site, he described the current conditions of “shameful” and underlined the urgent need for modernization. Francken also discussed questions relating to the evolution of the budget and the NATO standard.
The government has decided to maintain defense expenses at 2 percent of GDP until 2033, then to 2.5 percent in 2034. However, the new NATO standard provides expenses of 5 percent by 2035, including 3.5 percent for direct military spending.
Francken said it would be up to the next government to decide whether or not to increase the budget. He recognized that if long -term political visions are important, policy must also adapt to current events. He concluded by declaring: “I predict that there will be many other developments in the years to come”.
