Belgian defence ministry calls for budget increase

The federal ministry of defence has called on the government to increase its military spending by €157 million. The defence budget currently represents 0.66 percent of gross domestic product, but has to rise to 0.7 percent to meet the country’s international obligations, the ministry says.

The military needs new fighter aircraft as well as frigates and minesweepers, according to the ministry. The total budget will have to be increased by €7 billion by 2030 to meet Belgium’s defence needs, it claims.

A large part of the extra budget is required to phase out the country’s F16 fighter jets and replace them with the latest generation of aircraft. The new jets are required if Belgium is to fulfil its obligations as a member of Nato, according to a defence spokesperson.

Critics say the bill is too high at a time when deep cuts are being made. It looks increasingly likely that one defence contract will go ahead: Negotiators working on the formation of a new federal government have announced that they plan to buy 40 new jets at a cost of €100 million per aircraft. The €4 billion order will not be placed until 2018, and existing jets will remain in the air until 2023.

In related news, the defence ministry has been given permission by the Iraqi authorities to send a C-130 cargo plane loaded with humanitarian aid to northern Iraq. The plane is due to transport 13 tons of food and medical supplies to refugees fleeing the IS terrorist group offensive in the region.