The purchase of 400 new armoured vehicles for the Belgian Army will cost ten times more than initially expected, according to a confidential report from the Court of Audit revealed by VRT on Monday.
In 2018, under the Michel government, a contract was signed for these armoured vehicles with an initial cost estimate of €1.5 billion. However, the total cost, including purchase, maintenance, and operational expenses, will reach €14.4 billion.
The report criticises the Defence procurement service, highlighting the underestimation of costs related to building new garages, maintenance, and ammunition.
In 2018, the plan was to equip Belgium with a new motorised capability by acquiring combat vehicles from France, specifically 382 Griffons and 60 Jaguars.
While some costs were accounted for, others were overlooked, such as the need to renovate or build new garages in several barracks to accommodate the new equipment.
For instance, construction in Léopoldsburg and Marche-en-Famenne will cost €230 million, while the future barracks in East Flanders will require €225 million. In Charleroi, an additional €216 million will be needed.
A note to the government from the Defence department estimates maintenance costs of €60 million per year for 25 years, totalling €1.6 billion, which exceeds the vehicles’ purchase price, the Court of Audit further notes.
