Personnel as a priority
Our personnel is our most important asset, so we invest primarily in our people, their working environment, and their working conditions.
Strategic Vision Defence 2025
With the Strategic Vision 2025, Belgium is taking a new path. Together with our NATO partners, we are preparing to face large-scale conflicts, working with the whole of our society to protect our territory, and preparing for the battles of tomorrow
Strategic objectives
Our strategic objectives determine what Defence should look like in 2035 and guide the efforts to strengthen it.
Preparing for large-scale conflict
We must be ready to actively contribute to everyone's security. As a reliable NATO partner, we must also do our part by strengthening the deployment and readiness of our troops.
Protecting our territory
We ensure that Belgium is prepared. Not only Defence, but the whole of society is working together to provide more protection, more resilience, and faster assistance during crises.
Preparing for the battle of tomorrow
We invest in smart technology and take into account new forms of warfare, such as the use of drones.
Main investments
Boosting our readiness
- Replenishing existing ammunition stocks
- Replenishing spare parts
- Making units more logistically autonomous
Purchasing weapons systems
This includes:
- A layered air defence system, including Pioruns, 20 Skyrangers, 10 NASAMS, and 3 long-range and anti-ballistic systems
- 11 F-35s
- A third frigate and a logistics support ship
- 1,500 combat vehicles, including Servals, Griffons, and Jaguars
- 3,680 logistics vehicles (trucks, low-loaders, etc.)
- 2 large armed reconnaissance drones of the MQ-9B type
- 4 Search and Rescue helicopters
- 11 transport helicopters
Technological modernisation
We invest in defensive and offensive cyber capabilities and electronic warfare, in drones and anti-drone systems, in AI, and in space systems for military purposes.
Increased budget for research and innovation
We spend more than 3% of the total defence budget on innovation and development to further prepare our industry and knowledge centres for geopolitical challenges.
Establishment of a medical hub
Establishment of a medical hub at the site of the military hospital in Neder-Over-Heembeek.
How do we strengthen Defence?
Always ready
We remain ready while we modernise and grow.
Stronger and better equipped
Current units receive what they need to carry out their missions effectively. In addition, we will build new units.
Increase in personnel
By 2035, we will grow to 34,500 military personnel, 12,800 reservists, and 8,500 civilians.
We will develop an 'operational reserve' and welcome 1,000 young people per year to participate in the voluntary military service year.
Key factors for success
Future-oriented infrastructure
Our employees will be able to work in modern, safe infrastructure spread across the entire country.
Vigilance
We keep citizens well informed about security challenges and about what we are doing to protect them.
Maximum societal return
Investments also benefit our economy, directly or indirectly. In addition, we support defence-related research and technology.
Updating the legal framework
Laws and regulations support and facilitate the work of Defence.
Plan, Invest, Innovate
The world is changing rapidly, and Defence is changing along with it. Our Strategic Vision serves as the compass for building modern, agile and reliable armed forces by 2030–2035. This transformation relies on three pillars: a strong Belgian industry, clearly defined military capacities, and targeted investments in research and innovation. Click on one of the themes below to discover more.
Industry
Defence works closely with companies, from large groups to SMEs and start-ups. Thanks to this collaboration, we can modernise more quickly, stimulate innovation and contribute to the Belgian economy. Discover how your company can help build the capacities of tomorrow.
Capacities
The Strategic Vision determines which military capacities Belgium needs to protect our country and our international partners. From land and air capacities to maritime and cyber domains: discover how Defence is developing its means with a future-oriented approach.
Research
New technologies determine the safety of tomorrow. Through specific research, innovation projects and cooperation with universities, research centers and companies, Defence strengthens the knowledge base required for modern military capacities.