Belgium’s current single, large Motorised Brigade will formally split into 2 on 3 February 2026, confirming plans formulated earlier in 2025 as Defence spending increases and investments begin to rebuild military capability and meet the new NATO obligations.

The 1st Brigade will group the Dutch-speaking units located in the northern half of the country and will establish its Headquarters in Bourg-Léopold, while the 7th Brigade will have its Headquarters at the current Motorised Brigade base in Marche-en-Famenne.

The 1st (Flanders) Brigade will command the ISTAR battalion JAGERS TE PAARD, the single existing artillery regiment, the 2/4 LANSIERS cavalry battalion (equipped with the JAGUAR 6X6), and 2 mechanized infantry battalions, both ultimately operating the new GRIFFON 6x6 vehicles: the 1st Battalion CARABINIERS-GRENADIERS and the BEVRIJING 5E LINIE Battalion. The 7th (Walloon) Brigade will include 2 infantry battalions, the CHASSEURS ARDENNAIS and the 12/13 LINIE, as well as one cavalry unit, the 1/3 LANSIERS.

Initially, following the split, each brigade will field only about 2,800 troops, and it will take time to expand their strength and re-establish missing elements such as an artillery unit for the reconstructed 7th Brigade. The project is expected to continue until 2032, when both Brigades should reach a strength of 3,700 personnel.

As noted, the equipment of both Brigades reflects a strong French orientation. Belgium has joined France in the CAMO (Capacités Motorisée, Motorised Capability) project, adopting the same platforms developed under the French Army’s SCORPION programme. GRIFFON APCs, JAGUAR cavalry vehicles, CAESAR 155 mm self-propelled howitzers and MEPAC 120 mm mortar carriers (mounted and based on the GIFFON vehicle) are all entering service to modernise the formations.

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