Escorting troop transports

We ensure the smooth transit of allied personnel and equipment. Efficient mobility is essential for rapid deployment, operational resilience, and effective cooperation between different armed forces.

At every disembarkation, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Destruction Service secures the docks. The Military Police Group safeguards the transport of sensitive equipment. The Movement Control Group coordinates movements with the armed forces, while the Provincial Command monitors operations on the ground, together with local authorities and civilian contractors. Depending on operational needs, additional units may be called in.

Since 2014, American troops have regularly disembarked in the ports of Antwerp and Zeebrugge to help defend European NATO territory. As a host and transit country, we play a key role in facilitating their rapid passage to NATO's eastern flank.

Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the increased threat to Europe's borders, NATO and the EU intensified their focus on collective defence and deterrence. They do this by keeping large forces ready for deployment and by bringing in reinforcements and supplies, ensuring that military efforts can be sustained over the long term.

At the end of 2024, we supported an Irish unit during its transit to exercises in Germany for the EU Rapid Response Unit. We provided logistical and administrative support at the port and along their entire route.

In the coming years, we will increasingly support military movements through our seaports. We will adapt our infrastructure and capabilities to enable troops and their equipment to move quickly, efficiently, and on a large scale.

We also regularly conduct exercises with all involved units and services to ensure smooth cooperation, including the National Crisis Centre, the federal police, the waterway police, customs, and Foreign Affairs. Receiving troops requires close coordination between civilian and military authorities.