Information session Defence, Industry and Research Strategy (DIRS)
On 4 October, the Royal Higher Institute for Defence organised an information session on the Defence, Industry and Research Strategy (DIRS), during which both the Belgian minister of Defence, Ludivine Dedonder, and the deputy prime minister and minister of Economy and Employment, Pierre-Yves Dermagne, explained the importance of this strategy, in the presence of the press and industry representatives.
The Defence, Industry and Research Strategy aims to develop and consolidate a Belgian Defence Technological and Industrial Base that:
- contributes to supporting the national security and defence policy and strengthening the EU’s strategic autonomy;
- positions Belgium as a relevant, reliable and competitive technological partner in European and trans-Atlantic capability development;
- guarantees the degree of national autonomy required in critical fields as regards scientific research, technological expertise and industrial capacity;
- generates the necessary economic and social return in the form of knowledge as well as military and civilian dual-use technologies.
During this information session, which took place at the Royal Military Academy, Air Force Colonel GS Steven Lauwereys, project officer at the Royal Higher Institute for Defence in charge of developing the DIRS, elaborated on the objectives, principles and priorities. Examples of concrete policies were presented by Lieutenant General Frédéric Goetynck, Director General Material Resources and National Armament Director (NAD), and by Air Force Colonel GS Filip Borremans, Director General of the Royal Higher Institute for Defence.
For more information on the DIRS, click here.
