The extra resources are for the development of a cybersecurity force in the Belgian army. In addition, after years of savings, the stocks have to be replenished. The extra effort of 1 billion euros comes on top of the budgetary growth trajectory, which the De Croo government had already knocked off earlier.
Nevertheless, the army unions have their doubts about the implementation of the budget in the short term. For example, according to Huwart, it will take some time before producers can supply extra ammunition and weapons to update the stocks, especially now that other countries are also asking.
Furthermore, it is not even clear which weapon systems are purchased and which personnel are required to operate them. “Just like the supply of material and the development of infrastructure, the training of personnel also takes a lot of time,” says Huwart.
VSOA chairman Dimitry Modaert also agrees with Huwart’s position, but emphasizes that he is satisfied with the extra resources. “Due to the war in Ukraine, but also because of the floods last year and the corona crisis, the government sees that investments in defense are indeed necessary,” it sounds. “This will enable us to become an attractive sector and thus compete with other sectors,” says Modaert.