Structure of the Belgian Armed Forces

This article represents the structure of the Belgian Armed Forces as of October 2025:

Chief of Defence

The Belgian Armed Forces are headed by the Chief of Defence with the rank of General, who is assisted by a Vice-Chief of Staff and three Assistant Chief of Staff (ACOS) with the rank of Lieutenant General. Six general directorates headed by Major Generals manage the bureaucratic aspects of the Belgian Armed Forces. ^[1]

• Chief of Defence
  • Vice-Chief of Defence
    • Policy & Governance Support Cluster (Gv Spt)
    • Staff Department Strategy (ACOS Strat)
  • Staff Department Operations and Training (ACOS Ops & Trg)
  • Staff Department Intelligence and Security (ACOS IS)
  • Defense Inspector General
  • General Directorate Health & Well-being (DG H&WB)
  • General Directorate Legal Support (DG Jur)
  • General Directorate Strategic Communication (DG StratCom)
  • General Directorate Budget and Finances (DG BF)
  • General Directorate Material Resources (DG MR)
  • General Directorate Human Resources (DG HR)
  • Belgian Army
  • Belgian Air Force
  • Belgian Navy
  • Belgian Medical Service
  • Belgian Cyber Force

Belgian Army

The Belgian Army (French : Force Terrestre Dutch : Landmacht) is commanded by a Major general and has the following organization:

• Belgian Army, in Evere ^{[2] [3]}
  • Jagers te Paard (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance ISTAR), in Marche-en-Famenne ^[4]
    • 1 × headquarters and services squadron, 2 × Belgian ISTAR squadrons in Marche-en-Famenne and Arlon, 2 × Luxembourgish ISTAR squadrons in Diekirch in Luxembourg

Medium Brigade

The Medium Brigade is the Belgian land formation assigned to NATO. ^[5]

• Medium Brigade , in Leopoldsburg ^{[5] [3]}
  • 1 × headquarters and services company, in Leopoldsburg (carrying the traditions of the 8th/9th Regiment of the Line)
  • 1^er/3^e Lanciers, in Marche-en-Famenne ^[6]
    • 1 × headquarters and services squadron, 3 × cavalry reconnaissance squadrons with Piranha IIIC and Dingo 2 vehicles (will be replaced in 2028 by EBRC Jaguars), 1 × reconnaissance and intervention squadron (which will be equipped with Véhicule blindé d'aide à l'engagement (VBAE)) ^[3]
  • 2/4 Lansiers, in Leopoldsburg (reactivated on 2 September 2025) ^[7]
    • 1 × headquarters and services squadron, 3 × cavalry reconnaissance squadrons with Piranha IIIC and Dingo 2 vehicles (will be replaced in 2028 by EBRC Jaguars), 1 × reconnaissance and intervention squadron (which will be equipped with Véhicule blindé d'aide à l'engagement (VBAE)) ^[3]
  • Bataljon Bevrijding – 5 Linie, in Leopoldsburg ^[8]
    • 1 × headquarters and services company, 3 × infantry companies with Piranha IIIC wheeled armoured fighting vehicles (will be replaced by VBMR Griffons), 1 × combat support company ^[3]
  • Carabiniers Prins Boudewijn – Grenadiers, in Lombardsijde ^[9]
    • 1 × headquarters and services company, 3 × infantry companies with Piranha IIIC wheeled armoured fighting vehicles (will be replaced by VBMR Griffons), 1 × combat support company ^[3]
  • Artillery Battalion, in Brasschaat
    • 1 × headquarters and services battery, 2 × field artillery batteries with 8 × CAESAR NG self-propelled howitzers, 1 × mortar battery with 12 × VBMR Griffon MEPAC mortar carriers, 1 × unmanned aerial systems battery with loitering munitions, 1 × short-range air defense battery with counter-unmanned aerial systems and very short range air defense (VSHORAD) systems, 1 × fire coordination battery with joint terminal attack controller (JTAC) teams, C2 elements, artillery radars and sensors ^[3]
  • 11th Engineer Battalion, in Burcht
    • 1 × headquarters and services company, 4 × combat engineer companies, 1× general support company ^[3]
  • 18th Logistic Battalion, in Leopoldsburg (one company scheduled to move to Lombardsijde, while the rest will transfer to a new base at Schendelbeke near Geraardsbergen)
    • 1 × headquarters and services company, 1 × supply company, 1 × transport company, 1 × maintenance company ^[3]
  • 10th Communication and Information Systems (CIS) Group, in Leopoldsburg
  • Reconnaissance Squadron, with VBMR-L Serval vehicles (which will be replaced by Véhicule blindé d'aide à l'engagement (VBAE)) ^[3]
  • Multi-sensor Intelligence Support Squadron, with VBMR-L Serval vehicles, radars and Integrator tactical drones ^[3]
  • Tactical Drones Squadron, with VBMR-L Serval vehicles and armed drones ^[3]
  • Military Police Company (detached from the Military Police Group), with LMV and VBMR-L Serval vehicles ^[3]
  • Civil-Military Engagement and PsyOps Group (detached from the Civil-Military Engagement Group), with LMV and VBMR-L Serval vehicles ^[3]

Light Brigade

The Light Brigade will form by 2028 in Marche-en-Famenne.

• Light Brigade, in Marche-en-Famenne ^[3]
  • 12^e de ligne Prince Léopold – 13^e de ligne, in Spa ^[10]
    • 1 × headquarters and services company, 3 × infantry companies with Dingo 2 infantry mobility vehicles
  • Chasseurs Ardennais, in Marche-en-Famenne ^[11]
    • 1 × headquarters and services company, 3 × infantry companies with Dingo 2 infantry mobility vehicles
  • Unmanned Aerial Systems Battalion, with loitering munitions and armed tactical drones (will be formed by 2028)
  • Artillery Battalion, in Marche-en-Famenne (to be formed by 2030)
    • 1 × headquarters and services battery, 1 × field artillery battery with 8 × CAESAR NG self-propelled howitzers, 1 × mortar battery with 12 × VBMR Griffon MEPAC mortar carriers, 1 × unmanned aerial systems battery with loitering munitions, 1 × short-range air defense battery with counter-unmanned aerial systems and very short range air defense (VSHORAD) systems, 1 × fire coordination battery with joint terminal attack controller (JTAC) teams, C2 elements, artillery radars and sensors
  • 4th Engineer Battalion, in Amay
    • 1 × headquarters and services company, Light Combat Engineers Company, Combat Engineers Company, Construction Company, CBRN-defense Company
  • 4th Logistic Battalion, in Marche-en-Famenne
    • 1 × headquarters and services company, 1 × supply company, 1 × transport company, 1 × maintenance company ^[3]
  • 4th Communication and Information Systems Group, in Marche-en-Famenne
  • Military Police Company (detached from the Military Police Group), with LMV and VBMR-L Serval vehicles ^[3]
  • Civil-Military Engagement and PsyOps Group (detached from the Civil-Military Engagement Group), with LMV and VBMR-L Serval vehicles ^[3]

Special Operations Regiment

The Special Operations Regiment combines the Belgian paratroopers, special operations and special forces units. All units of the regiment are airborne qualified. ^[12]

• Special Operations Regiment , in Marche-en-Famenne ^[12]
  • Headquarters and Services Company, in Heverlee (carrying the traditions of the 4th Commando Battalion)
  • Special Forces Group, in Heverlee
  • 2nd Commando Battalion, in Flawinne
    • Headquarters and Services Company, 12th, 13th, and 16th commando companies
  • 3rd Paratroopers Battalion, in Tielen
    • Headquarters and Services Company, 17th, 21st and 22nd paratrooper companies
  • 6th Communication and Information Systems Group, in Peutie
  • Commando Training Center, in Marche-les-Dames
  • Paratroopers Training Center, at Schaffen Air Base

Joint and General Support Land

• Joint and General Support Land ^[3]
  • Bridge Engineer Battalion, (to be formed after 2028)
  • Explosive Ordnance Disposal Battalion, in Oud-Heverlee ^[13]
  • 8th Logistic Battalion (Reception, Staging and Onward Movement), in Charleroi
  • 29th Logistic Battalion (National Support Element), in Grobbendonk ^[14]
  • Transport Battalion, (to be formed after 2028)
  • Movement Control Group, in Peutie ^[15]
  • Civil-Military Engagement Group, in Heverlee and Nieuwpoort (Civil-military co-operation & psychological warfare unit) ^[16]
  • Military Police Group, in Evere ^[17]
    • Alpha Detachment, in Evere covers the province of Flemish Brabant and the city of Brussels
    • Bravo Detachment, in Nivelles covers the provinces of Walloon Brabant, Hainaut and Namur
    • Charlie Detachment, in Marche-en-Famenne covers the provinces of Liege and Luxembourg
    • Delta Detachment, in Leopoldsburg covers the provinces of Limburg and Antwerp
    • Echo Detachment, in Lombardsijde covers the provinces of West Flanders and East Flanders
  • Field Accommodation Unit, at Beauvechain Air Base (a company-sized unit tasked with building military camps for out of area operations) ^[18]

Training and Education Land

• Training and Education Land
  • Belgian Army Competence Center, in Leopoldsburg ^[19]
    • Competence Center - Engineer Department, in Namur
    • Competence Center - Maneuver Department, in Stockem
  • Training Camp Elsenborn, in Bütgenbach ^[20]
  • Training Camp Lagland, in Arlon ^[21]
  • Training Camp Beverlo, near Leopoldsburg
  • Training Camp Marche, near Marche-en-Famenne

Belgian Air Force

The Belgian Air Force (French : Force Aérienne Dutch : Luchtmacht) is commanded by a Major general and has the following organization: ^[22]

• Belgian Air Force Command, in Evere
  • Air Traffic Control Center, in Semmerzake ^[23]
  • Control and Reporting Center, at Beauvechain Air Base, reports to NATO's Integrated Air Defence System CAOC Uedem in Germany ^[24]
  • Belgian Air Force Competence Center, at Beauvechain Air Base
    • Basic Flying Training School, at Beauvechain Air Base
      • 5th Squadron, with SF.260D/M+ trainers
      • 9th Squadron, with SF.260D/M+ trainers
      • Military Glider Center, with L21B Super Cub and a variety of gliders
    • Joint K-9 Unit, in Oud-Heverlee
  • 80th UAV Squadron, at Florennes Air Base with four MQ-9B SkyGuardian unmanned aerial vehicles ^[25]
  • Aviation Safety Directorate, at Beauvechain Air Base ^[26]

1st Wing

The 1st Wing operates all helicopters, with the exception of the NH90 NFH helicopters supporting the Belgian Navy.

• 1st Wing , at Beauvechain Air Base ^[27]
  • Flying Group
    • 15th Squadron (Operational Conversion and Training Unit), with AW109BA Hirundo helicopters (to be replaced with H145M helicopters)
    • 17th Squadron, with AW109BA Hirundo helicopters (to be replaced with H145M helicopters)
    • 18th Squadron, (Squadron's NH90 TTH helicopters retired in September 2025) ^[28]
    • 40th Squadron, at Koksijde Air Base with NH90 NFH helicopters ^[29]
    • Operations Squadron
      • Air Traffic Control, Bird Control Unit, Fire Department, Meteorological Department, Wing Operations
  • Maintenance Group
    • Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
    • Flight Line and Armament Squadron
    • Electronics and Communications Squadron
    • Transport and Logistic Support Squadron
  • Defence and Support Group
    • Force Protection Squadron
    • Security Squadron
    • Support Squadron

2nd Tactical Wing

The 2nd Tactical Wing is one of two Belgian Air Force fighter wings and operates F-16AM Falcon fighters, which are being replaced by F-35A Lightning II. ^[30]

• 2nd Tactical Wing , at Florennes Air Base
  • Flying Group
    • 1st Squadron, with F-35A Lightning II
    • 350th Squadron, with F-16AM Falcon (will receive F-35A Lightning II in 2026)
    • Operations Squadron
      • Air Traffic Control, Bird Control Unit, Fire Department, Meteorological Department, Wing Operations
  • Maintenance Group
    • Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
    • Flight Line and Armament Squadron
    • Electronics and Communications Squadron
    • Transport and Logistic Support Squadron
  • Defence and Support Group
    • Force Protection Squadron
    • Security Squadron
    • Support Squadron

10th Tactical Wing

The 10th Tactical Wing is one of two Belgian Air Force fighter wings and operates F-16AM/BM Falcon fighters, which will be replaced by F-35A Lightning II from 2023. ^[31] As part of NATO's nuclear sharing the US Air Force's 701st Munitions Support Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing stores B61 tactical nuclear weapons at Kleine Brogel for use with Belgian F-16AM Falcon.

• 10th Tactical Wing , at Kleine Brogel Air Base
  • Flying Group
    • 31st Squadron (Nuclear strike), with F-16AM Falcon (will receive F-35A Lightning II in 2027)
    • 349th Squadron, with F-16AM Falcon (will receive F-35A Lightning II in 2027)
    • Operational Conversion Unit, with F-16BM Falcon (will disband after the introduction of the F-35A Lightning II)
    • Operations Squadron
      • Air Traffic Control, Bird Control Unit, Fire Department, Meteorological Department, Wing Operations
  • Maintenance Group
    • Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
    • Flight Line and Armament Squadron
    • Electronics and Communications Squadron
    • Transport and Logistic Support Squadron
  • Defence and Support Group
    • Force Protection Squadron
    • Security Squadron
    • Support Squadron

15th Air Transport Wing

15th Air Transport Wing operates the tactical and strategic airlift aircraft of the Belgian Armed Forces. Additionally it provides VIP transport services to the Belgian government.

• 15th Air Transport Wing , at Melsbroek Air Base
  • Flying Group
    • 20th Squadron (Tactical airlift), with 8 × A400M Atlas, ^[32] one A400M is owned and partially operated by the Luxembourg Air Force
    • 21st Squadron (VIP transport), with 2 × Falcon 7X aircraft
    • Training and Conversion Unit
    • Operations Squadron
      • Air Traffic Control, Bird Control Unit, Fire Department, Meteorological Department, Wing Operations
  • Maintenance Group
    • Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
    • Flight Line and Armament Squadron
    • Electronics and Communications Squadron
    • Transport and Logistic Support Squadron
  • Defence and Support Group
    • Force Protection Squadron
    • Security Squadron
    • Support Squadron

Meteorological Wing

The Meteorological Wing provides meteorological services to the Belgian Armed Forces and operates 10 remotely operated weather stations across Belgium. ^[33]

• Meteorological Wing , at Beauvechain Air Base
  • Military Meteorological Forecasting Center
  • Meteorological School
  • Maintenance Workshop
  • Meteorological Telecommunications Unit

Belgian Navy

The Belgian Navy (Dutch : Marine French : Marine) is commanded by a Divisional admiral. ^[34] The Belgian Navy's ships fall operationally under the joint Belgian-Dutch Maritime Headquarters Benelux in Den Helder, which is commanded by the Dutch Admiral Benelux. The commander of the Belgian Navy doubles as Deputy Admiral Benelux. ^[35]

Maritime Headquarters Benelux

• Maritime Headquarters Benelux , in Den Helder ^[35]
  • Operations Directorate
  • Operational Support Directorate
    • Karel Doorman-class frigate Maintenance - Royal Dutch Navy ^[35]
    • Tripartite-class minehunter Maintenance - Belgian Navy ^[35]

Belgian Navy Operational Command

• Belgian Navy Operational Command, in Zeebrugge
  • Navy Competence Center, in Bruges
  • Navy Logistics Center, in Zeebrugge
  • Naval Base Zeebrugge, in Zeebrugge
    • Karel Doorman-class frigates F930 Leopold I, ^[36] and F931 Louise-Marie ^[37]
    • Tripartite-class minehunters M916 Bellis, ^[38] M917 Crocus, ^[39] M921 Lobelia, ^[40] and M924 Primula ^[41]
    • Castor-class patrol vessels P901 Castor ^[42] and P902 Pollux ^[43]
    • Schoolschip A958 Zenobe Gramme ^[44]

Belgian Medical Service

The Belgian Medical Service (French : Service Médical Dutch : Medische Dienst) is commanded by a Major General and has the following organization:

• Belgian Medical Service, in Evere
  • Belgian Medical Service Competence Center, in Neder-Over-Heembeek ^[45]
  • Queen Astrid Military Hospital, in Neder-Over-Heembeek ^[46]
  • 14th Medical Battalion, in Peutie and Lombardsijde ^[47]
    • Headquarters and Services Company, 3 × medical companies (one company supports the Belgian Air Force, one company supports the Navy, and one airborne qualified company supports the Special Operations Regiment)
  • 23rd Medical Battalion, in Leopoldsburg and Marche-en-Famenne ^[48]
    • Headquarters and Services Company, 3 × medical companies (supporting the Motorized Brigade)
  • 5th Medical Supplies and Distribution Element, in Nivelles

Armed Forces organization graphic

Belgian Armed Forces organization 2025-2028 (click to enlarge)

Geographic distribution of operational units

Army
Air Force
Medical Service

Move. Control

29 Logistic Bn

MP Grp

EOD Ser.
K-9 Unit

Motorized Bde.

Carabiniers - Grenadiers

2/4 Lancers
Bevrijding - 5 Linie Bn
10 CIS Group
18 Logistic Bn

1/3 Lancers
Chasseurs Ardennais
4 CIS Group
4 Logistic Bn

12 - 13 Line Bn

Artillery Bn

4 Engineer Bn

11 Engineer Bn

Special Ops Rgt.

2 Commando Bn

3 Paratroopers Bn

Jagers te Paard Bn & Special Forces Group

6 CIS Group

2 Wing

80 UAV Sqn

10 Wing

1 Wing

Meteorological Wing

Flying School

15 Wing

40 Squadron

Navy

Maritime Base

5 Med Element

14 Medical

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Belgian Armed Forces locations 2020

Belgian Army: Reconnaissance Infantry Commandos/ Paratroopers Special Forces Artillery Engineers CIS Logistics Military Police

Belgian Air Force: Fighter bases Helicopter bases Other units

Belgian Medical Service: Medical units

References

1. "La nouvelle organisation de l'état-major général de la défense" (PDF). Direction Générale de la Communication Stratégique. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
2. "De Landcomponent". Belgian Armed Forces. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
3. "Strategische Visie Defensie 2025" (PDF) (in Dutch). Belgian Armed Forces. pp. 93–94, 98–99. Retrieved 1 November 2025.
4. "Bataljon Jagers te Paard". Belgian Armed Forces. Archived from the original on 5 August 2020. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
5. "1 Brigade - About" (in Dutch). 1 Brigade. Retrieved 1 November 2025.
6. "1/3 Bataillon de Lanciers". Belgian Armed Forces. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
7. "Retour du 2e/4e Régiment de Lanciers à Bourg-Léopold" (in French). Belgian Armed Forces. Retrieved 1 November 2025.
8. "Bataljon Bevrijding – 5 Linie". Belgian Armed Forces. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
9. "Bataljon Carabiniers Prins Boudewijn – Grenadiers". Belgian Armed Forces. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
10. "Bataljon 12 Linie Prins Leopold - 13 Linie". Belgian Armed Forces. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
11. "Bataillon de Chasseurs Ardennais". Belgian Armed Forces. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
12. "Hoofdkwartier Special Operations Regiment". Belgian Armed Forces. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
13. "Dienst voor Opruiming en Vernietiging van Ontploffingstuigen". Belgian Armed Forces. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
14. "29 Bataljon Logistiek". Belgian Armed Forces. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
15. "Movement Control Group". Belgian Armed Forces. Archived from the original on 1 February 2019. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
16. "Civil-Military Engagement Group". Belgian Armed Forces. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
17. "Military Police Group". Belgian Armed Forces. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
18. "Field Accommodation Unit". Belgian Armed Forces. Archived from the original on 1 February 2019. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
19. "Competentiecentrum Landcomponent". Belgian Armed Forces. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
20. "Kamp Elsenborn". Belgian Armed Forces. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
21. "Kamp Lagland". Belgian Armed Forces. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
22. "Luchtcomponent". Belgian Armed Forces. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
23. "Air Traffic Control Center". Belgian Armed Forces. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
24. "Control and Reporting Center". Belgian Armed Forces. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
25. "80 UAV Squadron". Belgian Armed Forces. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
26. "Aviation Safety Directorate". Belgian Armed Forces. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
27. "1 Wing". Belgian Armed Forces. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
28. "Na amper 12 jaar dumpt Defensie moderne NH90-helikopters: "We hebben er heel veel miserie mee gehad"". HLN News (in Dutch). 2025-07-09. Retrieved 2025-11-02.
29. "Reddingshelikopters verhuizen naar Oostende". Belgian Defence (in Dutch). 2019-04-23. Retrieved 2019-08-11.
30. "2e Wing Tactique". Belgian Armed Forces. Archived from the original on 6 October 2017. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
31. "10 Tactische Wing". Belgian Armed Forces. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
32. "ANALYSIS: Airbus gearing up for A400M export push". 14 June 2017. Archived from the original on 23 October 2017. Retrieved 23 October 2017.
33. "Meteo Wing". Belgian Armed Forces. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
34. "Marine". Belgian Armed Forces. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
35. "Admiral Benelux". Netherlands Royal Navy. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
36. "F930 Leopold I". Belgian Armed Forces. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
37. "F931 Louise-Marie". Belgian Armed Forces. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
38. "M916 Bellis". Belgian Armed Forces. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
39. "M917 Crocus". Belgian Armed Forces. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
40. "M921 Lobelia". Belgian Armed Forces. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
41. "M924 Primula". Belgian Armed Forces. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
42. "P901 Castor". Belgian Armed Forces. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
43. "P902 Pollux". Belgian Armed Forces. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
44. "A958 Zenobe Gramme". Belgian Armed Forces. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
45. "Competentiecentrum Medische Component". Belgian Armed Forces. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
46. "Militair Hospitaal Koningin Astrid". Belgian Armed Forces. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
47. "Nieuw Bataljon bij de Medische Component". Belgian Armed Forces. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
48. "Nieuw Bataljon bij de Medische Component". Belgian Armed Forces. Retrieved 20 May 2020.

External links

• Website of the Belgian Armed Forces (Dutch/French)