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🇧🇪 Belgium /Conflict & Security

Defense Invests Nearly 7 Million Euros in New Training Complex in Leopoldsburg: "Train on Operations in Urban Areas"

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Belgium's Ministry of Defence will invest nearly 7 million euros in a new training complex in Leopoldsburg.
  • The facility, set to be completed by 2028, will feature a "skillhouse" for urban combat training.
  • The investment aims to enhance military training capabilities in response to the current geopolitical situation.

Belgium's Ministry of Defence is set to invest 6,942,000 euros in a new, state-of-the-art training complex in Leopoldsburg. The facility is designed to significantly enhance the training of soldiers, particularly for operations in urban environments.

The 'skillhouse' is a large space that can be freely arranged depending on the type of training that can be provided there.

— Wouter RaskinMember of Parliament explaining the versatility of the new training facility.

The project, scheduled for completion by 2028, will include a versatile "skillhouse." This building, situated on a 1,450 square meter open space, can be freely configured to simulate various training scenarios. "The 'skillhouse' is a large space that can be freely arranged depending on the type of training that can be provided there," explained Member of Parliament Wouter Raskin (N-VA).

This new complex will enable soldiers to practice combat in urban settings, such as cities and villages, including close-quarters combat. An elevated walkway will overlook the training area, allowing instructors to monitor exercises and provide feedback. "The people receiving training can be monitored from that bridge. This way, they can also be adjusted afterward," Raskin added.

The people receiving training can be monitored from that bridge. This way, they can also be adjusted afterward.

— Wouter RaskinDescribing the role of the elevated walkway for instructor supervision.

In addition to the skillhouse, the complex will feature zones for general training and classrooms. A ventilation system in the training building will permit indoor exercises with running vehicle engines and even shooting practice. "Thanks to this ventilation, shooting exercises can also be held in the building," stated Raskin.

Thanks to this ventilation, shooting exercises can also be held in the building.

— Wouter RaskinHighlighting a specific feature of the training building that enhances its utility.

The Defence Ministry aims to elevate the current training standards, which Raskin described as too fragmented. "Everything must be able to happen in the same place in a safe manner," he said, contrasting it with the current practice of using various buildings, some of which are also used for vehicle storage. Raskin emphasized the necessity of high-quality training, especially given the current geopolitical climate, and noted plans to eventually roll out similar facilities at other Defence sites across Belgium.

Everything must be able to happen in the same place in a safe manner.

— Wouter RaskinExplaining the need for a centralized and secure training environment.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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