The new F-35 aircraft, to be manufactured in Italy, are expected to generate substantial economic benefits. “A very large economic return” is anticipated for Belgium, Francken stated, according to Belga news agency.
Alongside the jet purchase, the government has also launched the “Ammunition Readiness Plan 2025” with an initial investment of €2.3 billion ($2.6 billion) earmarked for this year. The plan is designed to counter structural shortages in ammunition supplies and boost defence preparedness.
“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 explained. The multi-year initiative will cover a broad spectrum of ammunition types and weapon systems.
This includes 155 mm artillery shells, mortar rounds, and anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles for the land forces. The navy will also receive various missile systems to address threats across air, land, sea, and underwater domains.
Belgium’s air component will benefit from the purchase of guided missiles for both air defence and long-range precision strikes. In a significant development, Belgium will also, for the first time, invest in cruise missile capabilities by acquiring the Joint Strike Missile (JSM).
