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Reflecto News | Europe | Defense & Security
BRUSSELS — Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken has declared that “defense is sexy in Belgium,” a remarkable statement in a country known abroad for its pacifist sentiment and where, for decades, a military career was often dismissed as a career of last resort.
Speaking at a defense innovation conference in Brussels, Francken argued that the image of the armed forces has fundamentally shifted in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the war in the Middle East, and the growing realization that Europe can no longer depend entirely on the United States for its security.
“Defense is sexy in Belgium.”
— Theo Francken, Belgian Defence Minister
🇧🇪 From Pacifism to ‘Sexy’
To understand why Francken’s claim is so striking, one must recall Belgium’s recent military history:
- Conscription ended in 1994, and the armed forces were professionalized but also cut drastically.
- Equipment debacles — replacing the ancient FN FAL rifle took nearly 30 years; the NH90 helicopter procurement was plagued by delays.
- Low recruitment — for years, the Belgian army struggled to meet its recruitment targets, with many young Belgians preferring civilian careers.
- The ‘Pacifist’ image — Belgium hosts EU institutions and is associated with diplomacy rather than hard power.
However, Russia’s full‑scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 sent shockwaves through Belgian society. Suddenly, the notion of territorial defense was not an abstract concept from history books, but a pressing concern.
Francken, a Flemish nationalist who has pushed for raising the defense budget to €30 billion (2% of GDP) by 2035, has been at the forefront of this transformation. He has argued passionately that Belgium must be a “step ahead” rather than a passive observer in European security.
📊 Evidence of ‘Sexy’ Defense
What evidence supports Francken’s claim that defense is now “sexy” in Belgium? The minister points to several concrete indicators:
1. Record Recruitment
Belgian armed forces have seen a surge in applications since 2022, particularly for technical roles in cyber, engineering, and drone operations. The military has had to expand its training capacity just to process the influx.
2. Public Support for Defense Spending
Polls show that a clear majority of Belgians now support increasing the defense budget—a remarkable shift from the anti‑military sentiment prevalent during the Cold War. The terror attacks in Brussels (2016) and the threat of Islamist radicalization have also made security a top concern for voters.
3. Media and Pop Culture
War documentaries, drone footage from Ukraine, and Hollywood films about World War II have captured Belgian imaginations. Meanwhile, the Belgian army’s social media presence has modernized, showcasing high‑tech equipment like the F‑35 and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
4. The ‘Cool Factor’ of Technology
Defense is no longer just about marching and boot camp. Belgium is investing in cyber defense, space surveillance, and artificial intelligence. For a generation of tech‑savvy youth, working on advanced radar systems or encryption is as appealing as working for a private tech firm.
5. Patriotic Pride
The Belgian Red Devils (football) have long been a symbol of national unity, but the armed forces are now seen as a source of pride. The military’s role in pandemic relief (COVID‑19) and evacuations from conflict zones (e.g., Afghanistan, Sudan) has improved its image.
💡 Implications for European Defense
Francken’s “defense is sexy” comment echoes similar sentiments across Western Europe, particularly in countries bordering Russia, such as Finland, Poland, and the Baltics.
Key trends across Europe:
| Trend | Examples |
|---|---|
| Rising defense budgets | Poland 4%+ of GDP; Germany special fund; Belgium to 2% GDP by 2035 |
| Public engagement | Recruitment surges, reservist programs, military preparedness campaigns |
| Industrial mobilization | Rheinmetall, Thales, MBDA expanding ammunition and weapons production |
| Tech integration | Drones, artificial intelligence, cyber, space becoming mainstream defense fields |
However, Francken also warned that the new “sexy” image must be matched by long‑term investment. If defense budgets spike for two years and then drop, the military will be left with unfulfilled expectations and disillusioned recruits.
“Sexy cannot be a fad,” he said. “It must be sustained until deterrence is credible.”
🧠 Conclusion: A New Era for Belgian Defense
Francken’s claim that “defense is sexy in Belgium” is a sign that the country is finally shedding its post‑Cold War pacifist shell.
The defence sector has become more attractive as a career, more popular as a political priority, and more central to national identity than at any time since the end of conscription.
Whether the Belgian public will maintain its enthusiasm as the bills come due remains to be seen. For now, Francken is leveraging the “sexy” image to push through procurement and budget increases. If he succeeds, Belgium will contribute significantly more to European collective defense by the end of the decade. If he fails, the country may revert to its comfortable free‑riding habits.
But one thing is clear: Francken has declared a cultural revolution, and he is counting on Belgians to make it permanent.
📋 Key Takeaways for Reflecto News Readers
| Aspect | Summary |
|---|---|
| The Quote | “Defense is sexy in Belgium.” |
| Context | Francken speaks as Belgian defense budget rises, recruitment surges, and public support for rearmament grows. |
| Evidence of “Sexy” | Record job applications, positive media coverage, high‑tech thrill (F‑35, drones, cyber), patriotic pride. |
| Historical Shift | Belgium, a traditional “pacifist” nation, now embraces armed forces as career of choice for many youth. |
| European Alignment | Part of broader European trend toward rearmament following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. |
| Risk Factors | Budgets must be sustained; “sexy” cannot be a fad; delivery of equipment (F‑35, frigates) must keep pace. |
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