Belgium: The defense budget lacks transparency

UPDATE The Ministry of Defence has made progress in its budget presentation, but did not sufficiently take into account the comments made by the Court of Auditors considers this institution in its comments on the section devoted to the defense in the draft 2013 budget of the Federal Government.

The Court has repeatedly stated in previous reports, that the distribution of the appropriations entered in this section "does not match the standards of budget programs", which aims to bind the loans granted by parliament - 2710000000 euros this year for defense - specific objectives.

Minimal changes

These observations led Defence to "make a number of changes in the presentation of the initial budget of the year 2012, recognized by the Court of Auditors - by opening a" nation assistance "to" isolate tasks that are not specifically military missions. "Similarly, the department has" broken "part of the appropriations staff in several programs budget."

But these changes did however reach a "limited", so that the earlier remarks "remain current in their entirety," said the Court of Auditors.

Fuzzy

It therefore considers that the allocation of funds for basic allowances practiced by the Defence "offers an image of insufficient allocation needs" department. This note focuses on personnel costs referred to as "subsistence" (salaries and allowances of military and civilian personnel) and operation - for amounts of € 172.8 million covering "costs varied between seemingly unrelated them "and 42.2 million. This represents 36.5% of the total operating costs of the department.

"Such groups of loans are likely to make less clear the extent of the budgetary authorization by parliament," said the Court of Auditors.

Lack of respect for Parliament

MPs Wouter De Vriendt (Groen) and Juliette Boulet (Ecolo), who took note of this report, denounced Tuesday the lack of transparency from the Defence Minister Pieter De Crem (CD & V), and announced their intention to interview Wednesday in committee in the House.

"The lack of transparency Minister De Crem shows little respect for Parliament," noted the two environmentalists elected in a statement.

According to them, this is not the first time that the Court of Auditors formula such remarks. "Every year, Mr De Crem been criticism that class" without result in "learning from insufficient", say two deputies.

BELGIUM A plan to restore balance to the Army Language

    The Working Group of the House for two years on board the "linguistic balance" within the army on Wednesday approved, majority against opposition (who abstained), recommendations asking "tend towards equilibrium "between the French and Dutch officers to the highest positions in the military hierarchy. For the FDF, it does nothing to change the situation.

    These recommendations made by the majority, but deemed insufficient by the FDF and exaggerated by the Vlaams Belang and the N-VA, is the requirement of increased consolidation efforts between the two linguistic roles "as well in the lower grades and above "and in international organizations.

    The Working Group also considers that the Defence must generally "continue to strive for (a division of) 60% of Dutch soldiers and 40% of French military" - which is the size of the two communities.

    "For officers, the knowledge of both national languages ​​must remain a basic requirement to enter into consideration for promotion to a higher grade," added the recommendations, which also advocated strengthening the learning of both national languages "so immersive."

    The Working Group recommends that, wherever possible, a "gradual appreciation" of the bilingualism bonus for all categories of military personnel.

    The defense minister also asked to report on the situation each year, as stipulated in a 1938 law on the use of languages ​​in the army to allow the House to "continue to follow transparent and constructive manner the evolution of language distribution in the army. "

    These recommendations will now be forwarded to the Defence Committee for approval, then to the plenary of the House. "There is an agreement not to reopen the debate" at both levels, said MP George Dallemagne (CDH), causing a release in the work of the working group.

    And the majority had agreed two weeks ago to erase the document the findings, which stood a picture of the linguistic situation - contrast - the army, where the proportion of Dutch increases with rank, with only 28% of French generals. While in the lower grades, the deficit is on the Dutch.

    With these recommendations, the French believe they have obtained recognition of the existence of an imbalance for the highest functions, while the Flemish deputies - Gerald Kindermans (CD & V), Luk Van Biesen (Open Vld) and David Geerts (sp . a) - evoke the character "cyclic" this imbalance.

    This working group was set up two years ago at the request of French-speaking parties as a result of comments made in October 2010 by the former base commander of Florennes, Colonel Luc Gennart now retired, who had denounced "Flemishization" army before entering politics in the MR.

    Meanwhile, the issue has been the subject of an agreement between the six-party coalition government.The government statement team Di Rupo first stipulates that "respect for the linguistic balance within the army will be a constant concern of government."

    But the MP Denis Ducarme (MR) has recently threatened to withdraw its confidence in Defence Minister Pieter De Crem (CD & V) in case of non respect of this text and re-appointment of generals who would not in the sense of a catch (the linguistic balance), asserting that this was the position of all the MR.

    An agreement that will not change for Damien Thiery (FDF)

    Damien Thiery asks: "If the working group was unable to agree on a report containing the findings of the hearings and a year and a half of work and discussions, how could he make a series of recommendations on objective and verified? ".

    MP FDF is surprised at the satisfaction of the majority, including MR, have garnered an agreement on measures called "concrete", which according to him are not because they do not have the force of law.Damien Thiery questioned the scope of these measures with the Defence Minister Pieter De Crem.

    For him, nothing has been resolved and the linguistic imbalance remains present.

Belgium wants to allow private guards. Unions reluctant military

The project of the Belgian government to allow private military companies on board merchant vessels transiting the national Indian Ocean does not raise the accession of all the military and some questions from MPs. " The government has put the finger in a gear that will be very dangerous and problematic, despite the strict measures that have been taken , "says the union and military defense CGSP (socialist).They fear that once approved, these private companies become economically indispensable, even if piracy disappeared from the Somali coast. With budget cuts in the naval component of the army, " the next government will have no choice but to extend authorizations (private guards) , and even multiply . "Ultimately, it is feared that the CGSP budgetary difficulties constitute an argument against the involvement of the Belgian defense in anti-piracy, as is now the Louise-Marie off the Indian Ocean .

One team turned military since 2009

While the government has proposed to merchant ships to embark a team of military protection board VPD ( Vessel Protection Detachments ). But three years ago, this possibility has not been activated once. it is true that a certain cost to shipowners - 115,000 euros - and they prefer to use the services of private companies. For Defence Minister Pieter De Crem (CD & V, Flemish Christian Democrat, the problem is budgetary priorities ... and as he said in a response to Georges Dallemagne, Senator CDH (Francophone Christian Democrats) early November. " Unlike the French defense, we do not have equipment, weapons and ammunition in the areas concerned. transport by air and therefore costly Belgian shipowners require to be able to call security companies private. "

Towards legalization of private guards

The Belgian government has submitted to the office of the Chamber of Deputies in October, two draft law authorizing the use of private security guards in a legislative framework. Geographically, their use is strictly limited to the Somali coast. And the companies concerned must show their credentials both in terms of their personnel, their equipment or their experience in maritime security.

1200th F-16 rolls out SABCA's Flight Line

F-16 Aircraft Depot-Level MRO : S.A.B.C.A. (Charleroi Belgium) delivers its 1200th F-16.

Last Monday, like several times a month, the S.A.B.C.A. flight line crew succesfully delivered an F16 aircraft to one of its customer Air Forces :  this time the Belgian Air Component  received back a single-seater F-16, freshly upgraded by the highly skilled technicians of the company to the latest M5 Avionics standards.

"Business as usual" for these people who already proceeded with 29 similar deliveries since the beginning of the year... with the noticeable difference that this A/C was exactly the 1200th F-16 to roll out S.A.B.C.A.'s flight Line since 26 january 1979, when the very first production F-16 was delivered to the Belgian Air Force.

S.A.B.C.A. started its common history with the F-16 more than 30 years ago, by the assembly and in-flight delivery of 222 new F-16 A/C, on behalf of three different end-users.

Since then, S.A.B.C.A. Charleroi became a global key-player for the Depot-level maintenance and upgrade of F-16 aircraft, serving nine different F-16 customers around the world.

Beside the continuous support to Belgium's and other European’s  F-16 fleets, S.A.B.C.A. ensures the Depot-Level MRO of the USAF F-16 operated in the European theater. The choice made last year by the US Government to extend for another 5 years its co-operation with SABCA demonstrates S.A.B.C.A.'s abilities to provide accurate, on-time, competitive answers to the most demanding requirements.

S.A.B.C.A.'s undisputed leadership in F-16 Depot-Level Support in Europe is strengthened by a State-of-the Art F-16 wings repair shop, relying on in-house detailed wing parts manufacturing capability.

First Flight of Belgian NH90 Tactical Transport Helicopter

NHIndustries (NHI) is proud to announce the first flight of the first NH90 Tactical Transport Helicopter ordered by the Belgian armed forces. For this first flight, performed on Sept 18th from Marignane, the crew tested all the main systems of this new-generation aircraft such as the engines and the flight controls. After landing, the crew expressed its satisfaction with the behaviour of the helicopter. The Belgian armed forces ordered eight NH90s, four TTHs for tactical transport operations and four NFHs for naval operations.

The Belgian NH90 TTH is a Full Operational Capability standard helicopter. This aircraft is very close to the French NH90 Caiman TTH for which deliveries started in the end of 2011 in Full Operational Capability Standard. This commonality brings to the Belgian customer all the return of experience collected during the development of the French NH90 TTH.

“This first flight is an important milestone for NHI since it marks the arrival of a new comer in the NH90 users community, we are all impressed by the degree of maturity demonstrated by this helicopter” declared Xavier Poupardin, delegated managing director of NHI.

The NH90 TTH (Tactical Transport Helicopter) variant is a helicopter of 11 ton class primarily configured to perform tactical transport missions in all environments by day and night. The NH90TTH flexibility allows its users to perform additional missions such as internal/external load transport, Heliborne Operations, Special Operations, Search and Rescue, Casualties Evacuation and Training missions.

The NH90 TTH is the most modern helicopter of its class available on the market. It features a high level of system integration built around a dual bus Core Avionic System, full glass cockpit with Multifunction Displays, Fly-by-wire controls with 4-axis Automatic Flight Control System. The dedicated Mission System includes among others: Piloting Forward Looking Infrared system, Helmet Mounted Sight and Display, Electronic Warfare System, Tactical Control and Tactical Communication System, Weather Radar, Digital Map Generator and an on-board Monitoring and Diagnostic System. It features a fully composite crashworthy fuselage fitted with a rear ramp which allows the transport of a light tactical vehicle. The two Rolls-Royce/Turbomeca RTM322 modern engines provide power reserve in all environments. The NH90 helicopter has provision for a number of role equipment to enable mission flexibility and effectiveness coupled with a high level of safety and survivability.

The twin-engine, medium-size NH90 helicopter program is managed by the consortium NHIndustries, the Company owned by AgustaWestland (32%), Eurocopter (62.5%), and Stork Fokker (5.5%).The NH90 helicopter programme is the largest ever launched in Europe, with firm orders now reaching 529 units for 19 Armed Forces of 14 Nations: France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Portugal, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Greece, Oman, Australia, New-Zealand, Spain and Belgium.
     

Afghanistan: transfer of authority from the French camp on the basis of Kandahar Airfield

On 6 September 2012, responsibility for the Kandahar Airfield area occupied by the French detachment was sent to the Belgian detachment OGF 12-05 (Operation Guarding Falcon).

This transfer of authority ceremony was chaired by Lieutenant Colonel Stanghellini, commanding the detachment at Kandahar air, and Major Claisse, head of the Belgian detachment. During the ceremony, the French flag was lowered in order to make room for the Belgian flag. However, until the actual closing of the French air detachment in Kandahar, the two detachments - one French and one Belgian - will rub on the Kandahar base.

Implemented in southern Afghanistan in September 2007, the French air detachment in Kandahar mission was to secure the support of a detachment of fighters conducting joint patrols aerial presence, support, reconnaissance, surveillance and support troops on the ground in favor of the Force (ISAF International Security Assistant). The area of ​​the French air detachment was much envied for the quality of its infrastructure.

 As part of the divestment announced by the President of the Republic, the Mirage 2000 have left the territory of Afghanistan early July. Nearly fifty French military arm still based in Kandahar, where they finalize the logistics of detachment and disengagement organize the departure of French troops in the area.

Belgium To End Kabul Airport Protection Mission

Belgium is ending its longest mission in Afghanistan, the protection of Kabul International Airport (KAIA), over the next few months. Starting in October, the mission will be taken over by a multinational unit under French command and including Portuguese, Hungarian and Albanian troops.

 

Belgium has been conducting the mission with around 250 troops since the beginning of 2003.

Belgium will continue to participate in other NATO International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) missions in Afghanistan. In Kabul, it will continue to have personnel assigned to ISAF headquarters and in various Afghan National Army (ANA) schools. In Kandahar, where Belgium has a detachment of F-16s, four Belgian instructors are mentoring the Afghan National Air Force, and Belgian surgeons are working in the base's military hospital. In Kunduz, Belgian personnel are supporting the provincial reconstruction team and are members of military advisory teams advising, training and supporting the ANA. Finally, Belgian instructors are teaching at the ANA engineering school in Mazar-e-Sharif.

 

F-16 fleet will soon again 54 aircraft operational

 Thursday afternoon, a Belgian F-16 crashed near the airbase Kleine-Brogel in Limburg after a collision with a bird. This incident did not disrupt overseas extent the organization of the army air unit so far since "cocooning" is coming to replace it. This was said Major General Claude Van De Voorde Friday.

    The fleet of F-16 of the Belgian army no longer than 53 aircraft on Friday after the plane crash yesterday.

    Ten collisions with birds (bird strike) are identified each year by the Belgian army, usually without gravity.

    The Belgian army is able to manage this kind of accident thanks to its system of "cocooning". It has indeed six aircraft on standby, three located at the base of Florennes, three Kleine-Brogel. After 30 days of inspection and maintenance, these devices are in good standing and can go into operation as well as other aircraft. This device has been implemented in the mid-90s to ensure good permanent fleet.

Asian Defence News

Belgium chooses the American Javelin missile to replace French antitank missile

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency of United States notified Congress Aug. 3 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Belgium for 240 Block I Javelin Missiles and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $88 million.

The Government of Belgium has requested a possible purchase of 240 Block I Javelin Missiles, 60 Command Launch Units (CLU) Missile Simulation Rounds (MSR), Battery Coolant Units (BCU), support equipment, spare and repair parts, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical data, U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance and other related logistics support. The estimated cost is $88 million.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a NATO ally who continues to be an important force for the political stability and economic progress in Northern Europe.

The Belgium Army intends to use the Javelin system as part of its overall military modernization program. The Javelin system will replace the Belgian Army’s existing MILAN missile system.

The proposed sale of the missiles and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractors will be Joint Javelin Venture (JJV), a consortium of Raytheon, in Tucson, Arizona and Lockheed Martin, in Orlando, Florida. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require 6 U.S. Government or contractor representatives to travel to Belgium for a period of 2 weeks for equipment training.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.
Read more
 Asian Defence News

SLP 12 ga. 3" Shotgun FN Herstal Belgium

SLP 12 ga. 3" Shotgun

FN Herstal - Belgium

The Self-Loading Police Shotgun guarantees soft recoil and reliability of a gas-operated auto-loading action. This shotgun has also the exclusive speed loading feature made popular by John M. Browning's famous Auto-5.

The ghost-type sights with tritium inserts allow a better and quicker acquisition of the target.     

They are mounted on a Picatinny rail, allowing the installation of other types of sights should the mission require it.    

Specifications

Calibre:	12 ga. 3"
Operating principle:	Gas operated, semi-automatic
Overall length:	984mm (38.75")
Weight (empty magazine):	3,490 kg (7.7 lbs)
Barrel length:	457mm (18")
Rail:	Picatinny
Buttstock type:	Synthetic and fixed
Magazine capacity:	7 (2" 3/4) or 6 (3") rounds
Sight:	Front sight & ghost ring sight (tritium)
Finish:	Matt finishing on barrel,receiver & bolt