Belgium Approves Expanded Defense Procurement, Including F-35 Jets and New Frigate

On Friday, July 18, the Belgian government approved a new strategic defense spending plan, allocating $40.74 billion (EUR34.8 billion) in commitments covering 2026-2034, with $28.9 billion (EUR24.7 billion) to be spent in that period. Commitments include the expansion of military personnel by a third, the acquisition of 11 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets and a new anti-submarine warfare (ASW) frigate, as well as new investment into air defenses. The 11 new jets will augment...