BRUSSELS

Belgium's Defense Minister Theo Francken announced plans on Wednesday to designate a military district in each province to offer production and development space to defense companies, responding to a growing demand within the sector.

Speaking to the House Defense Committee, cited by daily Het Laatste Nieuws, Francken said the move aims to support Belgian defense industry growth by providing companies with access to former or under‑utilized military facilities.

"At the recent Bedex defense exhibition in Brussels, it became clear that many companies in the Belgian defense sector, which is doing rather well, are looking for space," Francken said.

According to the plan, the government aims to designate one district per province where these companies can set up operations.

The announcement was made as the committee examines the government‑approved "defense barracks plan," which envisages the recommissioning of all barracks, major investments in existing infrastructure, and the establishment of new sites throughout the country.

Maj. Gen. Lieven Vanheste told lawmakers that land or buildings held as strategic reserves could be partially or fully allocated to defense industry firms or other companies when there is demonstrable added value for the Belgian Defense Forces.

He listed several locations under consideration, including Koksijde, Moorsele, Brosius, Kruibeke, Brasschaat, Kapellen, Weelde, Hoksent, Peutie, Melsbroek, Vissenaken, Brustem, Nijvel, Rocourt, Elsenborn, Saint‑Hubert, and the Sart‑Hulet Polygon.