Rank #29 · Europe
Belgium spent $14.5B on defense in 2025 — approximately 2.0% of GDP, finally meeting the NATO pledge after a decade as one of the alliance's lowest spenders. The De Wever government's €34.8B Strategic Vision (2026-2034) commits to 2.5% by 2034 and 3.5% by 2035, anchored by 11 additional F-35s, NASAMS air defense, and frigate replacement.
Belgium's defense ramp is among the steepest in NATO from a low base. The 2025 budget reached approximately €12.8B (~US$14.9B), nominally 2.0% of GDP, after the new De Wever government committed in February 2025 to accelerated growth. The Strategic Vision published in mid-2025 budgets €34.8B in capacity commitments for 2026-2034, with €24.7B to be spent over the period and the topline rising to 2.5% of GDP from 2034 and toward 3.5% by 2035 in line with NATO's Hague-summit framework. Major lines: 11 additional F-35As (€1.67B, on top of 34 already ordered), 10 NASAMS systems (€2B from Kongsberg), counter-drone capabilities, and frigate replacement.
The Belgian Defence operates as a unified military with four components — Land, Air, Naval, and Medical — totaling approximately 24,000 active personnel, the smallest among the larger Western European NATO members. Belgium ended conscription in 1995 and faces persistent recruiting shortfalls. The Air Component is transitioning from F-16AM/BM to F-35A: 34 ordered originally, with 8 delivered as of 2025; an additional 11 ordered in 2025 to bring the total to 45. The Land Component fields the Caesar self-propelled howitzer, Pandur and Piranha-V armored vehicles, and the Jaguar/Griffon Scorpion family acquired in partnership with France. The Naval Component operates 2 Karel Doorman-class frigates (replacement programme underway with the Netherlands) and the Mine Counter-Measures Vessel programme.
Belgium's defense industry is medium-sized and highly specialized. John Cockerill Defense (Seraing) produces medium-caliber turrets fitted to global armored-vehicle programs including the LAV 6, Boxer, and Stryker variants. FN Herstal is a global small-arms leader (FN SCAR, Minimi, MAG-58, F2000), supplying NATO, US Special Operations, and Ukraine. Thales Belgium (Tubize) produces 70mm rocket systems used on attack helicopters. Sonaca and SABCA contribute aerospace structures including F-35 components. Despite this industrial base, Belgium is a structural net importer for major platforms (F-35, NASAMS, frigate combat systems).
Belgium has no active combat operations but is a critical NATO host nation: NATO political headquarters is in Brussels (Evere) and SHAPE — the alliance's strategic military command — is at Casteau near Mons. Belgium also hosts the Port of Antwerp, Europe's second-busiest port and a key reception node for US reinforcements crossing the Atlantic. Belgian forces contribute to NATO Air Policing in the Baltics, eFP forward presence in Romania, and Operation Aspides in the Red Sea. Belgium has supplied Ukraine with F-16s (transferred from retiring stocks), Caesar howitzers, and ammunition.
On April 27, 2026 SIPRI placed Belgium's 2025 spending at $14.5B (2.0% of GDP). The De Wever government's February 2025 coalition agreement committed to accelerated defense growth. In July 2025 Belgium confirmed an order for 11 additional F-35As (€1.67B), bringing total commitment to 45. The Strategic Vision (mid-2025) budgeted €34.8B for 2026-2034 capacity commitments. A €2B NASAMS contract with Kongsberg covering 10 systems was advanced through 2025-2026 to address Belgium's ground-based air-defense gap. The first new Belgian-Dutch frigate cut steel in 2025, and the MCMV programme continued deliveries.
Yes. Belgium reached approximately 2.0% of GDP in the 2025 budget after years as one of NATO's lowest spenders by share. The De Wever government has committed to 2.5% by 2034 and a trajectory toward NATO's new 3.5% target by 2035, with a €34.8B Strategic Vision underwriting the ramp.
Belgium ordered 34 F-35A Lightning II in 2018 to replace its F-16 fleet; 8 had been delivered by 2025. In July 2025 Belgium ordered an additional 11 F-35As (€1.67B), bringing the total to 45 aircraft. Full fleet operational capability is expected by early 2031.
NATO's political headquarters is in Brussels (Evere). The alliance's strategic military command, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), is at Casteau near Mons in southern Belgium. Belgium also hosts the Allied Command Operations.
Belgium does not own nuclear weapons but hosts US B61 tactical nuclear bombs at Kleine Brogel Air Base under NATO's nuclear-sharing arrangement. The B61s have been modernized to the B61-12 variant and will be delivered by Belgian F-35As in the dual-capable role.