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Research

The Belgian Ministry of Defence supports numerous research projects aimed at strengthening its technological capabilities in strategic areas such as cyber, space, or maritime infrastructures. A significant part of the Defence budget is therefore spent on research and development, in keeping with European agreements, as well as on the Defence, Industry and Research Strategy (DIRS).

Why research?

Research is essential to ensure that the Belgian Ministry of Defence has continuous access to state-of-the-art technologies capable of addressing current and future challenges. Research helps to develop innovative solutions, strengthen our industrial autonomy and consolidate the technological sovereignty of our country.

Its impact, however, extends far beyond the military sphere: for example, progress made in the areas of cybersecurity, medicine, or even artificial intelligence trickles down into practical applications for hospitals, enterprises and public services. In this way, the Ministry of Defence acts as a driver of innovation that benefits society as a whole.

Defence, Industry and Research Strategy

The Defence, Industry and Research Strategy (DIRS) is a long-term strategy aimed at developing and consolidating a Belgian Defence Technological and Industrial Base (DTIB) that:

contributes to supporting the national security and defence policy and strengthening the EU’s open strategic autonomy;
positions Belgium as a relevant, reliable and competitive technological partner in European and trans-Atlantic capability development;
guarantees the degree of national autonomy required in critical fields in terms of scientific research, technological expertise and industrial capacity;
generates the necessary economic and social return in the form of knowledge, technology and employment.

Research domains

Space technologies

Developing space capabilities for surveillance, communication and strategic navigation.

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Communication technologies

Improving secure and reliable transmission systems for operations.

Cybersecurity

Protecting information systems and critical infrastructure against threats.

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Sensor technologies

Detection and analysis technologies to improve knowledge of situational awareness.

Advanced military health

Research in the field of military medicine to optimise care, resilience and performance.

Human systems and behaviour

Study of the interaction between humans and systems in complex environments, by integrating technological, cultural and organisational dimensions.

Security and defence policy

Strategic and prospective analysis to guide the security and defence policy.

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Protection of personnel, systems and infrastructure

Technological solutions to secure armed forces, equipment and facilities.

Advanced weapon systems and platforms

Developing weapon systems that are modern, interoperable and adapted to future needs.

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Sustainable energy and environment

Sustainable and ecological energy solutions.

Smart and advanced materials

Designing innovative materials to improve the resilience, lightness and functionality of equipment.

Autonomous systems and AI

Integrating artificial intelligence and autonomous systems to increase responsiveness and precision during operations.

Research on security and defense

The Centre for Security and Defence Studies (CSDS), which is part of the Royal Higher Institute for Defence (RHID), is the think tank of the Ministry of Defence. The study centre brings together civilian and military researchers. Through an interdisciplinary approach, they provide greater clarity on contemporary challenges in the field of security and defence.

The CSDS focuses on Belgium’s role in the field of security and defence, multilateral policy, and the international security architecture. The centre also analyses transatlantic relations, innovative capabilities and technological challenges that are specific to Defence, for example in the CBRNe, maritime and space domains.

The results of this research are shared via publications, conferences and colloquia that are open to the public and accessible for consultation online.

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Do you want to learn more about research?

The Royal Higher Institute for Defence (RHID) is your gateway to research. Discover everything there is to know about research topics in the field of security and defence, technological innovation and development, and learn more about potential collaborations.