Agreement on €34 billion defence investment: “Belgium is once again a reliable NATO partner”

The federal government has reached a preliminary agreement on its defence strategy – the so-called Strategic Vision 2026–2034. “It’s a historic plan, with €34 billion in investments,” Defence Minister Theo Francken explained on De Ochtend. “This will allow us to rebuild our military strength. We’re acquiring capabilities we’ve desperately needed for years but lacked due to deep budget cuts.”

“The free-ride era is over”

Francken is clear: “For years, we ignored NATO’s 2% spending benchmark. Belgium didn’t contribute enough. In a way, we were free-riders, relying on others for our security. But that mindset is over. In just four months, we’ve put forward a plan that fundamentally strengthens our defence.”

Frigate, air defence, combat vehicles

With the allocated funds, the government aims, among other things, to purchase a third frigate. Major investments are also planned in air defence, including 1,500 new combat vehicles, 2,100 logistical vehicles, four rescue helicopters, and eleven transport helicopters. Ammunition stocks, which are urgently needed, will be replenished in the short term. No agreement has yet been reached on additional fighter jets. “That item represents just 1/34th of the total budget,” Francken noted. “So in the grand scheme, it’s quite modest.”

The plan also allocates funds for personnel and modern infrastructure. Another key focus is technological modernisation, with investments in electronic warfare, drones and counter-drones, AI, cyber capabilities, and space-based military systems.

Towards a new 3.5% benchmark?

The plan not only aims to bring Belgium back in line with NATO standards but also to prepare for a potential new benchmark of 3.5%, expected to be introduced after the NATO summit in The Hague.

“In recent weeks, we’ve lobbied hard for more flexibility: no mandatory annual increases, but a ten-year roadmap. A broader definition of what qualifies as military expenditure. And a review point in 2029 – by then, we hope the war in Ukraine will be over and the Middle East more stable,” Francken added hopefully.