The Belgian Ministry of Defense’s Security & Service, Technology, Ambition, Resilience (STAR) Plan

Under the plan, Belgium will increase its defense spending from $4.7 billion to $6.9 billion in 2030, and to more than $10.4 billion in 2035. The Ministry of Defense plans to revamp Belgium’s defense with an emphasis on high mobility, high tech, crisis response, and resilience. To this end, it will invest heavily in cybersecurity and the procurement of larger military systems such as armored vehicles, air defense capabilities, artillery systems, resources for engineers and logistics, transport aircrafts, and drones.   
 
In addition, the Belgian government has set aside an additional billion dollars to boost the army’s short-term operationality. The extra money will go to “quick wins” such as ammunition stocks, protective gear, anti-tank weapons, protected vehicles, and communications systems. The Ministry also plans to invest $100 million in the construction of new, energy-efficient, ecologically-sound caserns likely in Charleroi and Oost Vlaanderen. Finally, the Ministry announced it will procure 20 dual-use light transport helicopters through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA).   
 
Learn more about Belgian defense opportunities. To explore defense opportunities in the Belgian market, contact Senior Commercial Specialist Ira Bel at ira.bel@trade.gov.