IRIA News

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Belgium’s federal government has approved the acquisition of 11 additional F-35A fighter jets and launched a $2.6 billion defense investment plan aimed at enhancing the country’s ammunition readiness.

The decision to acquire 11 more F-35 fighter jets brings Belgium’s total planned fleet to 45 aircraft, further integrating the country into NATO’s next-generation air defense architecture. The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, regarded as one of the most advanced multirole fighters in the world, is capable of stealth operations, electronic warfare, and precision strike missions.

The purchase was approved under the country’s new strategic vision, unveiled by Defense Minister Theo Francken, following approval by the Council of Ministers. The plan underscores Belgium’s commitment to enhancing its defense posture in the wake of escalating global tensions and lessons drawn from ongoing conflicts, particularly the war in Ukraine.

“A very large economic return” is anticipated for Belgium from the F-35 acquisition, Francken said, referring to the jets that will be manufactured in Italy.

By sourcing the new jets from Italian manufacturing facilities, Belgium is also aiming to secure industrial offsets that could translate into job creation, technology transfer, and sustained aerospace sector growth.

Ammunition Readiness Plan 2025

Running parallel to the fighter jet procurement is Belgium’s “Ammunition Readiness Plan 2025,” an ambitious initiative to resolve long-standing structural ammunition shortages. With an initial budget of $2.6 billion allocated for 2025, the plan represents one of the largest ammunition investments in Belgium’s recent defense history.

“The war in Ukraine shows that ammunition consumption is immense, which is why we need to enter into strategic partnerships with manufacturers to keep production lines operational,” Francken stated during the press briefing.

The plan is a direct response to supply gaps revealed by NATO operations and the war in Ukraine, where high-intensity warfare has consumed artillery and missile stockpiles at rates far exceeding peacetime estimates.

Replenishment of weapons across armed services

The multi-year Ammunition Readiness Plan aims to build a sustainable, diversified, and scalable ammunition supply base. It spans a wide range of munition types and weapon systems across Belgium’s land, air, and naval forces.

For the land forces, the plan includes the purchase of:

• 155 mm artillery shells
• Mortar rounds
• Anti-tank missiles
• Anti-aircraft missiles

For the navy, new missile systems will be acquired to address threats in all domains, aerial, terrestrial, maritime, and sub-surface. These will likely include both short-range and medium-range anti-ship and surface-to-air systems, enhancing Belgium’s maritime deterrence capability.

Belgium’s air force will benefit from the procurement of guided missiles capable of executing both air defense missions and long-range precision strikes. This development reflects a broader NATO trend of preparing for large-scale conventional conflict scenarios where missile readiness is key.

Cruise missiles

Under the same plan and for the first time, Belgium will invest in cruise missile capabilities through the acquisition of the Joint Strike Missile (JSM). Designed for integration with the F-35 platform, the JSM provides standoff capability, enabling Belgian forces to strike high-value targets deep inside enemy territory without entering contested airspace.

The JSM is a fifth-generation, long-range precision weapon developed by Norway’s Kongsberg and the U.S.-based Raytheon. Its inclusion in Belgium’s arsenal will significantly extend the country’s reach and strengthen its contribution to NATO’s collective defense deterrent.

Strategic implications

Belgium’s defense modernization efforts come amid heightened geopolitical tensions and a reassessment of European defense policies post-Ukraine. NATO has consistently urged its members to invest more in defense, particularly in high-end capabilities such as fighter jets, drones, and ammunition stockpiles.

The war in Ukraine has shown that industrial defense bases across Europe must be revitalized to cope with prolonged military operations. NATO and European leaders have warned of the need to shift from a peacetime “just-in-time” production model to a wartime “just-in-case” one, emphasizing long-term supply chain resilience.

Belgium’s plan aligns with these strategic objectives and reflects growing recognition that smaller countries must also build capacity to contribute meaningfully to regional defense.

Belgium’s strategic defense update marks a departure from its traditionally cautious military posture. With 11 more F-35 jets, cruise missile capabilities, and a wide-ranging ammunition replenishment plan, the country is positioning itself as a more robust and reliable NATO ally.

While some critics may question the cost or timing of these initiatives, the government’s message is clear: defense readiness is no longer optional in a world defined by strategic uncertainty and rising threats.

“This is not just about new equipment; it’s about ensuring Belgium’s armed forces can protect our country, contribute to NATO operations, and respond to crises when called upon,” Defense Minister Francken emphasized.

As Europe continues to grapple with the consequences of the war in Ukraine, Belgium’s defense overhaul may serve as a template for other mid-sized nations looking to balance security imperatives with economic opportunity.