Defence Minister Theo Francken (N-VA) will visit the former Audi factory in Forest with some defence companies next week, he announced on Friday in De Ochtend (Radio 1). The Minister also discussed his €1 billion aid package to Ukraine in the same interview.
The plan to convert the site into a weapons factory was launched on Francken's second day as minister for defence. "I believe very strongly in that," he said.
The Audi factory in Forest officially closed its doors on 28 February 2025, after more than 76 years of production. Over 3,000 jobs were affected by the closure. Multiple ideas for repurposing the site have floated around over the last few months.
The plant is now set to be officially used for defence purposes. However, the success of the timeframe of Francken's plan depends on Audi and the defence companies involved, and possible government support, he explained.
While the Defence Minister did not concretely describe what type of factory the site will host, he stressed that the intention is not to produce ammunition at the site, a fear among local residents. Instead, other technology is set to be produced.
Francken also highlighted that the conversion of the former Audi plant would boost local employment options, particularly for the youth in Brussels. This was a priority for Forest's Mayor, Charlers Spapens (PS), who previously told Bruzz that, while he preferred alternatives to using the factory to produce weapons, he is not against Francken's plan.
€1 billion in aid
During the same radio interview, the minister addressed the €1 billion aid package to Ukraine proposed on Thursday. He clarified that this includes €216 million for 155mm ammunition through the Czech initiative, €200 million for ground-to-air defence via the German initiative, and an F-16 package.
According to the Belgian Minister, the proposal was well received. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has also made counterproposals. These are being reviewed by the Belgian military staff and Budget Services.
Francken emphasised the need to strengthen the existing central procurement agency and the importance of further consolidation within the defence industry. He added that he was glad that defence was no longer being sidelined.
The Defence Minister is set to travel to Ukraine in early April along with Prime Minister Bart De Wever (N-VA), Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot (Les Engagés), and the top Belgian defence companies.
