Military intelligence service plans major expansion amid rising threats

Belgium’s military intelligence service, GISS, plans to double its workforce by 2040 to counter growing cyber threats, foreign interference, and espionage. Its latest annual report highlights a surge in Russian disinformation and cyberattacks, reinforcing the need for stronger intelligence capabilities.

GISS chief Major General Stéphane Dutron called the expansion “necessary” as Belgium increases defence spending to 2 per cent of GDP. The agency faces challenges in training recruits and securing office space but warns that past complacency left the country vulnerable.

Russian disinformation has intensified since Belgium pledged 30 F-16s to Ukraine, sparking online “Belgium bashing” to weaken public support for aid. Foreign interference also targeted Belgium’s 2024 elections, and cyberattacks (mainly DDoS assaults on government and healthcare systems) have become recurring. 

GISS also warns of data risks from Chinese apps like Shein and Temu, which collect user information for potential influence campaigns.

Espionage 

GISS is already recruiting new personnel across various departments, but Dutron acknowledges the challenge of scaling up quickly. “Motivated candidates are coming forward, but we also need the infrastructure to train and support them properly”, he said. Additional office space and training facilities will be key to sustaining the planned expansion.

“We are simply returning to an acceptable security level. The threat is real.”

Dutron, speaking to VRT, insists expansion is vital: “We have just enough staff to manage threats now, but we must evolve.” He rejects concerns over rising defence spending: “We are simply returning to an acceptable security level. The threat is real.”

_{Belgian soldiers during a fictitious non-combatant evacuation operation in Weelde © BELGA PHOTO KRISTOF VAN ACCOM BELGA VIDEO MAARTEN WEYNANTS}