Past, Present, and Beyond: Belgian Perspectives on Irregular Warfare
As part of IWI Project Europe, we hosted a fireside chat with Colonel Wim Denolf, Director of the Belgian Special Forces Command, and Colonel Raphael Bechet, Commander of the Belgian Special Operations Regiment.
The discussion traced the origins of Belgian SOF back to World War II, highlighted their enduring partnerships with European and U.S. counterparts in operations from Iraq to Niger, and reflected on the lessons learned from missions such as Operation New Nero. The conversation also explored how Belgium’s unique attributes—its diplomatic culture, multilingual capabilities, and emphasis on coalition operations—shape its approach to irregular threats today.
With the return of high-intensity conflict in Europe and growing instability in the Sahel and Middle East, Belgium’s Special Operations Forces are reorienting toward a “supporting” role, blending historical mission sets with advanced technologies while preserving two decades of counterterrorism and counterinsurgency experience.
Read the full piece here:
irregularwarfare.org/events/…
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