Investing in the Defence of the future

The Belgian government has agreed with the proposal of Minister of Defence Steven Vandeput for a military programme law. It covers EUR 9.2 billion of investments in defence equipment for the 2020-2030 period. “A historic decision for the future of our Defence,” says Steven Vandeput. “After all, our security of tomorrow starts today.”

The proposal for the military programme law is part of the coalition agreement and was announced in the strategic action plan of the Minister; it was approved by the government at the end of June. The programme law confirms the investments in main equipment from the action plan. “These investments are necessary in order to ensure our National Defence can continue to position itself as a reliable ally within NATO, the EU and the UN,” Steven Vandeput explains. “It is also necessary in order to be a reliable partner for industry and research institutes.” The investments will take place in the Land Forces (motorised combat vehicles), Air Force (34 fighter aircraft), Marine Forces (2 frigates and 6 minehunters) and Intelligence-Cyber Influence (6 drones). These investments will be paid for during the 2020-2030 period and are an addition to the EUR 200 million that the government has already approved for this legislature.

Long term vision

“Security is a precious good, but it’s not free of charge,” says Minister Steven Vandeput. “By approving my draft programme law, this government is giving a clear and transparent commitment to the population, our neighbouring countries, industry, as well as to Defence staff, to invest in defence equipment. This long-term vision on investment creates stability and ensures the effective achievement of a credible Defence in 2030.”