The Ministry of Defence wants to create a military quarter in every province of the country to provide space for companies in the defence industry, Defence Minister Theo Francken (N-VA) said on Wednesday in the House Defence Committee.
According to Francken, the move would meet the demand from defence companies for space to build up production capacity.
Francken stressed in the committee that the recent BEDEX defence trade fair in Brussels showed that many companies in the Belgian defence industry are looking for space.
The government intends to designate one quarter per province where defence industry enterprises can establish themselves. Francken stressed that the activities must always be defence-related.
On Wednesday, the committee will discuss the new Defence 'Quarter Plan', which the government approved last month.
With this plan, the army is bringing all quarters back into use, making substantial investments in existing barracks, and establishing new quarters spread across the country.
In a presentation, Major General Lieven Vanheste said that sites or buildings in quarters retained as strategic reserves can be made available, either fully or for shared use, to the defence industry or other companies, provided this yields demonstrable added value for Defence.
The barracks that can be opened are those of Koksijde, Moorsele, Brosius, Kruibeke, Brasschaat, Kapellen, Weelde, Hoksent, Peutie, Melsbroek, Vissenaken, Brustem, Nivelles, Rocourt, Elsenborn, St.-Hubert, and Polygone de Sart-Hulet.
Vooruit MP Axel Weydts, who questioned Francken, reacted with satisfaction to the announcement in a press release.
"Anyone who wants to work for Defence will soon be able to serve close to home, and now they can also work for defence companies or others from the region, in our barracks. This is a win-win for extra jobs close to home and for our companies," he said.
