Defence to recruit record number of new personnel next year

Belgian Defence plans to recruit more than 5,500 new personnel next year. Following a record-breaking 2025 and no fewer than 16,000 applications for this year’s recruitment drive, Defence Minister Theo Francken is raising ambitions even further.

“Defence is growing, and that means we need people. In 2027, we are raising the bar once again, with new opportunities such as master’s programmes in cybersecurity and pharmacy, as well as broader access to the reserve up to the age of 66,” Francken says.

A resounding success

In 2025, Defence set out to recruit 2,500 new military personnel. In the end, 2,993 joined the ranks, well above expectations. A further 829 reservists and 695 civilian staff were also recruited.

Recruitment remains strong this year. So far, 1,560 new military personnel have started, with another 1,113 due to join. Selection procedures are still under way for around 400 vacancies. Among reservists, 554 have already started, with another 543 preparing to join. Defence has also recruited 626 civilian staff so far this year.

This year’s recruitment drive has also attracted a record 16,000 applications. “That is the clearest proof that Defence is an attractive employer today,” Francken says.

Reservists up to the age of 66

In 2027, Defence will once again open a record number of vacancies: 3,100 for active-duty military personnel, 1,500 for reservists and 960 for civilian staff. These additional recruits will help Defence reach its target of 34,500 active-duty military personnel, 12,800 reservists and 8,500 civilian employees by 2035.

To accommodate the increase in recruitment, Defence is lowering some of the barriers to entry. The maximum age for reservists has been raised to 66, while certain medical selection criteria for military personnel and reservists have been relaxed.

“These figures are also a sign of appreciation for everyone already working at Defence today, both military and civilian personnel. The work they do every day is far from ordinary, especially in these challenging times, and I am sincerely grateful to them. Anyone who wants to help build a stronger Defence is, of course, more than welcome,” Defence Minister Theo Francken concludes.