The Belgian Defence Ministry has launched a nationwide campaign, sending 149,000 letters to 17-year-olds, inviting them to consider voluntary military service with training beginning in September 2026 at various military centers across the country
Air traffic at Brussels Airport was halted twice on Tuesday night after multiple drone sightings disrupted operations, leading to 28 flight cancellations and numerous diversions to nearby airports, including Maastricht and Amsterdam
Theo Francken cancelled a planned air demonstration at Melsbroek involving an F-35 and drone after learning it would shut Brussels Airport for 15 minutes, prompting backlash from Vlaams Belang over costs and potential disruption to air traffic
Belgium will invest €1 billion in secure military data centres, set for completion by 2029, to enhance defence operations, protect critical data, and reduce reliance on foreign technology providers
As part of the military expansion, Belgian citizens turning 18 in November will receive an official letter inviting them to participate in voluntary military service
