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Belgian defense minister suggests increase in defense spending

Xinhua, August 19, 2015 Adjust font size:

Belgian Defence Minister Steven Vandeput has suggested that Belgium invest more into its armed forces, Belgian press reported Tuesday.

Since the end of the Cold War, the Belgian defense spending has steadily decreased, from 3.35 percent of GDP (gross domestic product) to less than one percent currently, according to the Belga agency.

Belgium is ranked on the tail of the peloton among the 28 NATO countries.

Vandeput said the Belgians must increase its capabilities in all five fields: earth, air, sea, cyber and intelligence.

According to a strategic military plan, which is under discussion between the ruling parties of the country, the defense spending will increase from 2019 on to 1.6 percent of GDP in 2030, he added. Endit