On April 30, 2025, Belgian Defense Minister Francken addressed concerns regarding the Serval military vehicle’s costs, emphasizing that expenses are distributed over an extended period. He stated, “The total cost of living is, of course, much higher than the initial purchase cost. That is always the case.” ([defensieblog.com](https://defensieblog.com/2023/12/13/minister-dedonder-ps-lijkt-aankoop-nieuw-voertuig-voor-defensie-te-bevestigen/?utm_source=openai))
- Francken benadrukt spreiding kosten over lange periode
- Totale levenskost hoger dan aankoopkost
- Minister ontkent extra begrotingsgat defensie
- Kosten opgenomen in meerjarenbegroting defensie
- Onbekende kosten door samenwerkingsprojectontwikkeling
- Onvoorziene uitgaven beter vermelden gewenst
“The total cost of living is, of course, much higher than the initial purchase cost. That is always the case.” ([defensieblog.com](https://defensieblog.com/2023/12/13/minister-dedonder-ps-lijkt-aankoop-nieuw-voertuig-voor-defensie-te-bevestigen/?utm_source=openai))
Minister Francken further clarified that there is no additional gap in the budget, as the total cost is accounted for in the defense multi-year budget. He acknowledged that some unforeseen expenses could have been more transparently disclosed but emphasized the inherent uncertainties in partnership projects. “How can you know the cost of a Serval vehicle when it has not yet been developed?” he questioned. ([defensieblog.com](https://defensieblog.com/2023/12/13/minister-dedonder-ps-lijkt-aankoop-nieuw-voertuig-voor-defensie-te-bevestigen/?utm_source=openai))
The Serval vehicle, part of the French SCORPION program, is designed to replace the Véhicule de l’Avant Blindé (VAB) and complement the heavier VBMR Griffon. With a weight of 17 tonnes, it is approximately 25% heavier than the VAB and is intended to equip infantry units of light brigades, such as the 11th Airborne Brigade and 27th Mountain Infantry Brigade. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VBMR-L_Serval?utm_source=openai))
- The Serval vehicle is part of the French SCORPION program, aiming to modernize military equipment.
- Belgium’s investment in the Serval vehicle is integrated into the defense budget, with costs spread over time to manage financial impact.
- The Serval vehicle is designed to replace the Véhicule de l’Avant Blindé (VAB) and complement the heavier VBMR Griffon.
As Belgium continues to modernize its military capabilities, transparency in budgeting and clear communication about project costs remain essential. Stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed and engaged in discussions about defense investments to ensure effective resource allocation and strategic planning.
