Belgium to send 11 million euros worth of additional military equipment to Ukraine

Belgium is supplying Ukraine with additional military equipment worth 11 million euros, defence Minister Ludivine Dedonder announced today in an interview with daily newspaper Le Soir. Her spokesperson has confirmed the news to Belga News Agency. The equipment will be purchased from domestic producers, such as bullet-proof vests from Flemish textile multinational Sioen.

Up to now, Belgium has delivered military equipment for a total of 31,6 million euros to Ukraine. An additional 11 million euros worth of weapons, ammunition, protective gear and night vision equipment is now set to follow.

“The Ukrainian people have the right to defend and protect themselves”

Everything will be purchased from Belgian companies – both Flemish and Wallonian, the government has announced. These include arms manufacturer FN Herstal, textile giant Sioen, which produces bullet-proof vests and other items, and OIP, a developer of sensors and optical devices for miltary use, such as night vision goggles. Since the equipment is already in stock at said companies, it can be shipped to the Ukrainian border ver quickly. “The Ukrainian people have the right to defend and protect themselves”, the minister said.

The Belgian federal government also decided on Friday to replenish its own stock of weapons and ammunition. Initially, 19,6 million euros will be made available for this purpose. The government can later reclaim these expeditures from a European fund.

Photo © Belga