Belgian army buys French armored vehicles, US F-35s, drones.

On October 25th, the Belgian government clearly expressed its will to reinvest massively in the security of the country. The army was to receive the necessary equipment to carry out its operations. The Minister of Defense, Steven Vandeput, has had the Parliament approve a military planning law providing for investments in modern and efficient defense equipment up to 9.2 billion euros.

EBRC Jaguar displayed at Eurosatory 2018 (Picture source Army Recognition)

The Council of Ministers approved the proposal of the Minister of Defense to award the purchase of new combat vehicles to France for the benefit of the Belgian Land Component. The new combat vehicles are developed in the French Scorpion program and replace the current Piranha III and Dingo 2 combat vehicles. 60 Nexter EBRC "Jaguar" median combat vehicles and 382 Nexter "Griffon" light combat vehicles will be purchased, including communications and spare parts. This acquisition, in line with the principles of the Strategic Vision, goes hand in hand with a revolution in defense cooperation for the Land Component. A partnership with France is set up based on identical French and Belgian combat vehicles. The aim of this partnership is that Belgium and France will have, among other things, a common organization and that training, training and logistical support will be organized jointly. The entry into service of the vehicles is planned in the period 2025-2030. In the short term, it is already planned to start the close partnership with France.

Concerning the very touchy file of the F-16 fighter replacement, Steven Vandeput said: "Nearly 80%, or more than 7 billion euros of Strategic Vision investments have meanwhile been started or have already been made. Never before has a Belgian government invested so much in security. One of the most important investments in the Strategic Vision is the replacement of air combat capability. Expenses amount to 4.011 billion euros, half a billion less than the Strategic Vision. For this sum, our country acquires 34 Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning IIs, two flight simulation centers, equipment and ICT systems for operational and technical support of aircraft on base and during their deployments, as well as helmet systems. high technology for pilots. This amount of investment covers, among other things, the costs of upgrading the weapon system and the recycling of pilots and technical personnel for the period 2018-2030. The first new fighter jets are expected by 2023.

The Belgian government has also agreed to negotiate with the United States for the purchase of two SkyGuardian MALE drone systems (Medium Altitude Long Endurance). Steven Vandeput, Minister of Defense: "MALE drones play an increasingly important role in operations. At European level, there is a shortage of this type of drones. With this purchase, Defense is committed to the future while filling a capacity deficit at the European level. Using MALE drones and keeping them operational is a complex undertaking. One of the conditions of this purchase was that our country would be able to partner with another country. "

Cooperation with a partner country guarantees economies of scale in terms of equipment, maintenance, training and operations. Since MALE drones will be mainly engaged in EU and NATO operations, a partnership will be sought with an EU or NATO member country.