Increase of Belgium's defense budget
Belgium plans to significantly increase its defense budget to 2% of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2025. Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken summarized the year 2025, emphasizing the active rearmament of the country and the adaptation of the army to new threats. In particular, he noted that Belgium has begun the path to defense capabilities that it can be proud of.
Key steps in modernization
One of the important steps in this process will be the supply of portable anti-aircraft missile systems (MANPADS) Piorun of Polish production to the Special Operations Regiment in Heverlee. This choice, according to Theo Francken, is due to the high effectiveness of Polish systems against modern unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from Russia and Iran, which is an important aspect for increasing the army's combat readiness.
- Creation of a 'drone wall'
- Integration of anti-drone systems
- Formation of specialized units to counter hybrid attacks
- Strengthening presence on NATO's eastern flank
This strategy addresses modern security challenges and underscores Belgium's intention to strengthen its defense capabilities.
Additionally, an important event was the visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky by Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever on December 18, which indicates active international cooperation in the field of security and defense. These actions highlight Belgium's commitment to strengthening its defense policy and supporting partners in combating common threats.
Increasing Belgium's defense budget to 2% of GDP is part of a broader strategy of NATO countries aiming to enhance their defense capabilities in response to new threats, particularly from Russia. Cooperation with Ukraine and the supply of modern weapon systems also signify Belgium's desire to actively participate in the collective security of the European region. This emphasizes the importance of strengthening alliances and supporting partners in the context of global security challenges.