Ankara: Belgium will focus on bolstering its air defense systems and drone capabilities as part of its commitment to increasing defense spending in accordance with NATO requirements, the country's Foreign Minister, Maxime Prevot, announced. This strategic shift comes as Belgium aims to enhance its military prowess amid a challenging geopolitical landscape.
According to Anadolu Agency, Prevot emphasized the necessity of reinforcing NATO's unity and deterrence capacity during an interview ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey. He acknowledged Belgium's previous shortcomings in defense expenditure but noted that the nation has now met NATO's financial benchmarks. "The government has ensured that Belgium is back," Prevot stated, highlighting ongoing investments in F-35 fighter jets and the country's expertise in mine detection and clearance.
Prevot expressed support for European allies taking on greater responsibility for their security, a sentiment echoed by the United States. He pointed out that recent security threats, particularly from Russia, necessitate increased defense investments. "We invested in defense not because we suddenly fell in love with it, but because today's security threats, mainly coming from Russia, cannot be ignored," he explained.
The minister also pointed to the conflict in Ukraine as a catalyst for evolving military strategies. Prevot remarked on the transformation of Ukraine from a recipient of Western aid to a source of security expertise, particularly in drone warfare and artificial intelligence. "Ukraine now has many lessons to teach us," he noted, indicating Belgium's intention to integrate these technologies into its defense plans.
Highlighting the significant role of Trkiye within NATO, Prevot commended the recent Belgian economic mission to the country, led by Queen Mathilde. He acknowledged Trkiye's strategic importance in securing Europe's southeastern flank and praised the decision to host the NATO summit in Ankara. Belgium aims to strengthen defense industrial cooperation with Trkiye, seeking mutually beneficial partnerships. "What we want is to identify useful partnerships, create more contacts and also more contracts," Prevot concluded.