Belgium Launches Industry Alliance to Modernize Army Vehicles
Belgium has launched a sweeping 20‑year industrial partnership to overhaul how the Belgian Army keeps its vehicles and weapon systems mission‑ready.
The newly-formed Land Systems Logistic Support (LS²) alliance will consolidate maintenance, modernization, and logistical support of all land force vehicles, communications, and armament under one roof — bringing together three major defense industry players: John Cockerill Defense, FN Herstal, and Thales Belgium.
Thibault Lambrecht, recently appointed CEO, is set to take charge in early February.
Rather than scattering work across separate contracts and vendors, LS² aims to streamline support, increase operational availability, and strengthen Belgium’s technological and industrial autonomy.
The venture plans to upgrade maintenance procedures and introduce more modern and efficient systems across Belgian land platforms.
LS²’s activities will roll out across land force bases in Belgium, with an initial focus on transferring ongoing maintenance, deploying a transition plan for fleet support continuity, and building up industrial and technical capacity.
Belgian Defence Minister Théo Francken framed the initiative as a strategic investment in sovereignty that will preserve skills on national soil, create high‑skilled jobs, and attract sustainable local investment.
Belgium Expands Defense Partnerships
Belgium has also strengthened other defense partnerships in recent years. In December 2025, it signed a 27.6-million-euro ($32.7-million) agreement with the US to provide technical support for Belgian F-16s, F-35As, and MQ‑9B SkyGuardian drones through 2028.
Last January, Belgium selected Proximus NXT as a strategic partner for cyber defense, focusing on protecting military and information systems over the next eight years.
Earlier, in late 2023, Belgium and FN Herstal finalized a long‑term partnership to secure small arms and ammunition supplies through 2043, ensuring national security of supply and supporting NATO and EU industrial resilience.
