Two-thirds of military aid to Ukraine flows back to Belgian companies
The federal council of ministers has on Friday approved the Belgian military aid package to Ukraine for 2025, worth one billion euros in total. About two-thirds of the military aid, 645 million euros, should flow back to Belgian companies.
The Belgian support consists of direct deliveries of military equipment, structural investments in the capacity building of the Ukrainian army and participation in a variety of international training and cooperation initiatives. “With this commitment, we emphasise not only our continued solidarity with the Ukrainian people, but also our determination to contribute to Europe's security and stability,” said Belgian defence minister Theo Francken in a press release. “Ukraine is also fighting for our freedom.”
“This production by our own industry ensures that a significant part of the funds flows back into our economy"
About two-thirds of the new military aid package, 645 million euros, should flow back to Belgian companies. “This production by our own industry ensures that a significant part of the funds flows back into our economy and supports employment in our defence sector,” declared Francken.
Short and long-term support
Concretely, Belgium is providing around one hundred armoured ambulances and Unimog transport vehicles in the short term, along with five unmanned maritime vehicles. Belgium is also supplying items such as drones, helmets and night-vision devices. More than 16,000 weapons and pistols are going to Ukraine, 20 modernised 20mm anti-aircraft installations, various types of ammunition and one Leopard battle tank with upgraded gun turret for test purposes.
There is also long-term support. For instance, Belgium is investing in the training of Ukrainian maintenance technicians for the F-16 coalition, in cooperation with the Belgian defence industry. Belgium also supports the start-up of the production capacity for 70mm missiles on Ukrainian territory, through cooperation with local specialised companies.
International partnerships
Besides bilateral support, Belgium participates in international partnerships. For example through participation in an international maritime demining coalition.
The Belgian Defence is furthermore committed to the education and training of Ukrainian military personnel. This is done both in Belgium and abroad, through initiatives such as the EU Military Assistance Mission in Support of Ukraine (EUMAM). Belgium amongst others trains Ukrainian F-16 pilots, trains crews for future minehunters and contributes to training in explosive ordnance disposal.
Belgian prime minister Bart De Wever and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, in Kyiv, Ukraine, on 8 April 2025 © BELGA PHOTO Presidency of Ukraine via ABACAPRESS.COM
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