BRUSSELS– Belgium is preparing to obtain 11 additional F-35A fighter jets at a cost of €1.67 billion (US$1.95 billion) as part of a comprehensive military upgrade plan released by the newly installed government.
The initiative also encompasses new maritime assets and air defence systems that are designed to address long-standing defence deficiencies. Belgium’s transition from expeditionary operations to the preparation for high-intensity warfare is emphasised by the strategic revision.
The military plans are consistent with the NATO commitment to increase defence expenditure to 2% of GDP in 2025, a substantial increase from the 1.29% allocated in 2024.
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II; Photo- WikipediaBelgium Orders More F-35 Stealth Fighters
In addition to the 34 already on order, Belgium orders more F-35 Stealth Fighters for $1.95 billion. The acquisition of 11 additional Lockheed Martin F-35A jets is a critical component of Belgium’s Strategic Vision 2025.
Belgium has already received eight of the previously ordered fifth-generation stealth fighters and expects the entire fleet to be fully operational by early 2031.
The F-35 fleet expansion is a component of a €34.8 billion capacity commitment that will be in effect from 2026 to 2034. The newly-installed government has allocated €24.7 billion for near-term expenditures.
The conflict in Ukraine has underscored the critical importance of multi-domain readiness and air superiority, prompting Belgium to expand its F-35 fleet.
It is anticipated that the induction of more F-35A stealth fighters will improve Belgium’s ability to thwart any potential future threats, including hypersonic missiles and attack drones. The Belgian Air Component will eventually replace its legacy F-16 fleet with brand-new F-35s.
Belgian Air Component F-16 | Photo: NATOBoosting Military and Civilian Defence Personnel
Belgium’s revised Strategic Vision 2025 plan also allocates funding for the recruitment of 8,300 additional military personnel by 2034, bringing the total to 34,500.
In 2026, the government will implement a voluntary service year for youth to enhance reserve capacity and national defence awareness, and it will more than triple the number of civilian defence personnel.
Patriot surface-to-air missiles | Photo: NATOBelgium Invests in Modern Air Defence Systems
Belgium will make its initial substantial investment in ground-based air defence in order to mitigate its vulnerability to aerial threats.
This encompasses the acquisition of 10 NASAMS (Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems) from Kongsberg, with a budget of €2 billion and a procurement date of 2026.
The systems will prioritise critical infrastructure, including the Port of Antwerp and the NATO Headquarters in Brussels, and will provide layered defence coverage across Belgian territory.
Furthermore, Belgium will procure three long-range air defence systems for an additional €2 billion, with the procurement process commencing in 2029.
Interoperability with Dutch systems, particularly the Patriot missile batteries manufactured in the United States, will be a critical requirement. These investments will establish the first operational air defence shield in Belgium’s modern history.
MQ-9B SkyGuardian | Photo: General AtomicsExpansion of Belgian Naval and Ground Forces
Additionally, Belgium will fortify its maritime presence by purchasing a third anti-submarine warfare (ASW) frigate, with a budget of €1.3 billion. This is a supplement to the joint ASW frigate initiative between Belgium and the Netherlands, which was initiated in 2023 in collaboration with Damen Shipyards.
Furthermore, Belgium intends to acquire a third MQ-9B SkyGuardian drone in 2027 for €254 million to facilitate long-range surveillance and combat operations.
On the ground, Belgium will invest €13.9 billion to modernise its motorised land forces, including €6 billion for combat manoeuvre capabilities. The military aims to make the medium brigade, comprising 7,800 personnel and 2,700 vehicles, NATO-deployable by 2030.
Belgium has pledged to provide NATO with a motorised medium brigade, a motorised light brigade, and a joint reconnaissance battalion in conjunction with Luxembourg.
Belgian Air Component | Photo: NATODefence Budget and Threat Analyses
Belgium plans to increase its defence budget steadily from €12.8 billion in 2025 to €21.3 billion in 2034. This trajectory is consistent with its commitment to maintain defence expenditure at 2% of GDP until 2033 and subsequently increase it to 2.5%.
Following NATO’s June 2025 meeting, where it endorsed a 3.5% baseline, Belgium pledged to evaluate options for future increases.
The security environment has deteriorated beyond Cold War levels, necessitating urgent investment across domains, as per Defence Minister Theo Francken. The minister cautioned that the Belgian populace is still largely unaware of the reality of today’s military landscape.
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