During the National Defense Commission that took place at the Belgian Parliament on April 26, MP member Theo Francken (N-VA) asked Ludivine Dedonder, Minister of Defense, about the “strategic partnership with FN Herstal”.
Theo Francken asked: “The Defense would consider a strategic partnership with FN Herstal. What is the purpose of this partnership? What about this agreement and what are the terms? Where will the Defense find the necessary means? Since 1997, the Walloon Region has wholly owned FN Herstal. How can absolute neutrality, therefore, be guaranteed during negotiations with this company?
MoD Ludivine Dedonder replied: “The Defense is examining the possibilities of setting up a multinational strategic partnership with FN Herstal concerning light weapons systems. The objective is to ensure strategic autonomy in light weapons and ammunition over the next 20 years. This partnership has been budgeted in the growth trajectory. The planned partnership was presented to the Military Purchases and Sales Committee on March 15, 2023. I cannot yet provide more details on this subject for the moment. Since this is ammunition and armament, in accordance with the Protocol, this item will again be submitted to the committee responsible in due course”.
MP member Peter Buysrogge then asked Minister Dedonder about the FN Evolys ultralight machine gun acquisition project: “In 2021, the Minister replied to one of my questions that the FN Evolys would possibly be suitable for specific missions and light units within the Defense but that this weapon could not replace the Minimi. Serial production of this weapon in Herstal will begin soon. It is very likely that an order will also be placed for the Belgian special operations forces (SOF), with the possibility of further extending this order if this weapon were to be incorporated more widely within Defense units. Does the Defense intend to buy the FN Evolys? If so, when is the order expected, for what type and in what quantity? What uses would the special forces make of these Evolys and would they be used in addition to the Minimi or in their place? Does the Defense plan to make wider use of this weapon, in addition to the existing armament? If so, for which units? What would be the influence on the proportions within the armed sections?