Equipping the Belgian Army with a new motorised capability - Replacement of armoured vehicles and related systems

The Belgian Court of Audit has carried out an audit on the investments made by Belgium’s Ministry of Defence for purchasing a new motorised capability. In 2018, Belgium concluded a strategic partnership with France to acquire wheeled armoured vehicles and various support and combat support systems. This partnership has its advantages, such as enhancing interoperability between both armies. It also entails a possible dependence relationship and financial risks that are not under control. The investment life-cycle costs are not limited to the first acquisitions and amount to a total of at least 14.7 billion euros. Furthermore, despite the progress made following the implementation of the 2016 Strategic Vision and the 2022 Star Plan, NATO considers that Belgium has not achieved the objectives for its land component: two motorised brigades were expected for this component, but Belgium is not yet in a position to create one brigade that fully meets the capacity requirements. Finally, the weak definition of the returns for the Belgian economy limits their impact and monitoring.