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Belgium Strengthens Cooperation with NATO Through a Multinational Exercise in Romania.
In light of the growing security challenges in today’s world, international cooperation has become more crucial than ever. Since the Russian aggressions in 2014 and 2022 in Ukraine, NATO has reinforced its deterrence measures along its eastern flank, notably by deploying several multinational tactical groups. In Romania, troops from various nations work together to bolster both their collective security and interoperability, particularly that of Belgium.
Belgian battalion showcased the operational strength of a NATO multinational tactical group. (Picture source: Belgian MoD)
During a recent demonstration in Cincu, Romanian Puma helicopters, French Leclerc tanks, and Belgian mortar units from the Prince Baudouin - Grenadiers Carabiniers Battalion showcased the operational strength of a NATO multinational tactical group. This display highlighted the capability of this unit to mobilize forces that combine expertise and firepower on the field.
The tactical group in Romania, led by France, currently includes Belgian units, with plans to integrate a Spanish company in the future. Since June 2024, the Belgian 1C/1Gr Infantry Battalion, reinforced by specialized engineering, artillery, communication, medical, and logistics elements, has represented the core of Belgium’s contribution.
According to French Colonel Jean Michelin, the commander of the unit, this multinational group has two essential missions. On the one hand, it aims to deter any potential aggression on NATO’s eastern flank. On the other, it must be ready to immediately adopt a defensive posture if there is a direct threat to Alliance territory, particularly in Romania.
Each contingent brings specific skills based on its capabilities. The French contingent, comprising a heavy mechanized infantry unit, complements the light infantry of the Belgian interarms company. This diversity creates a complementarity that strengthens the group’s efficiency and versatility.
Colonel Michelin underscores the importance of this multinational structure, which enables NATO to demonstrate advanced tactical cooperation. This collective presence helps solidify the Alliance’s deterrent stance by showing that its members can operate in a coordinated manner when faced with potential threats.
France, as the leader of this group, is also Belgium’s partner in the Motorized Capability (CaMo) program. This bilateral project aims to harmonize the motorized capacities of both nations, resulting in strengthened integration on Romanian soil.
Belgian Lieutenant Colonel Van Dyck, commander of the 1C/1Gr and Senior National Representative of the Belgian detachment, explains that by integrating the Belgian company within the French-led tactical group, the goal is to achieve a level of cooperation comparable to a purely national structure. “Working together over the long term allows us to overcome challenges, such as language differences or unaligned IT systems. After four months, we’ve achieved complete integration within the group, thus embodying the spirit of the CaMo program.”
For the Belgian detachment, this demonstration marks the culmination of their mission in Romania. “The rotation has been a success. In four months, we have reached an operational level that allows us to conclude our deployment with pride,” stated Lieutenant Colonel Van Dyck. The 1C/1Gr Battalion will soon be relieved by soldiers from the 12/13th Line Battalion, continuing Belgium’s commitment to this collective deterrence mission.
By showcasing the capability of allied forces to operate together, this deployment strengthens European security and consolidates the ties between NATO nations during a period of heightened geopolitical tensions.
Two French CAESAR as a part of a NATO multinational tactical group. (Picture source: Belgian MoD)