Military Bases in Belgium
What to know before you PCS to Belgium.
Air Force Bases
Kleine Brogel Air Base
Located in Kleine-brogel, Belgium
Kleine Brogel Air Base sits in Kleine-brogel, Belgium, and is operated by the Belgian Air Component. The base is known for hosting the 10th Tactical Wing and plays a key role in NATO nuclear sharing.
Army Bases
Brussels Leased Installation
Located in Brussels, Belgium
Brussels Leased Installation sits in Brussels, Belgium, and serves as a key hub for the U.S. Army in Europe. This installation supports NATO operations and is home to multiple U.S. military and civilian personnel, offering access to on-base amenities, international schools, and vibrant off-base housing options.
Chièvres Air Base
Located in Chievres Ab, Belgium
Chièvres Air Base in Chievres Ab, Belgium supports U.S. and NATO operations, serving as a vital logistics and support hub for the U.S. Army Garrison Benelux. The base is known for its proximity to SHAPE headquarters, on-base amenities, and access to international schools and family services.
SHAPE
Located in Mons, Belgium
SHAPE, located in Mons, Belgium, serves as the headquarters for NATO's Allied Command Operations. This international base coordinates defense strategy for member nations and is a hub for joint military planning.
Belgium’s NATO Defense Cornerstone
For U.S. military members and families on PCS or TDY to Belgium, Kleine Brogel Air Base, Chièvres Air Base, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), and Brussels Leased Installation are key installations, supporting U.S. Air Force, Army, and NATO missions in a vital European hub. These bases strengthen U.S.-Belgium and NATO cooperation. This guide to military bases in Belgium offers insights into their roles, historical significance, economic impact, and community support, ensuring a rewarding assignment in this NATO ally nation.
Historical Foundations
Belgium’s military history with U.S. forces deepened post-WWII. Kleine Brogel Air Base, established in 1944 by Allied forces, became a Belgian Air Component base in 1945, hosting U.S. nuclear munitions since the 1960s. Chièvres Air Base, first built in 1914 by the German Empire, was expanded by the Belgian Army in the 1930s and transferred to NATO’s Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe in 1967. SHAPE, activated in 1967 in Casteau, replaced Paris as NATO’s headquarters after France’s NATO withdrawal. Brussels Leased Installation, supporting NATO and U.S. personnel since the 1950s, grew with U.S. Army Garrison Benelux. These installations reflect Belgium’s NATO legacy.
Economic Impact
Belgium’s U.S. and NATO bases contribute over $1 billion annually, employing 5,000 personnel. Chièvres Air Base, in Hainaut, generates $300 million and 2,000 jobs, supporting the town of Chièvres. SHAPE, in Mons, adds $400 million and 2,500 jobs, boosting Wallonia’s economy. Kleine Brogel Air Base, in Limburg, sustains $200 million and 1,000 jobs near Peer. Brussels Leased Installation contributes $100 million and 500 jobs in the capital. Families access 1,000 housing units, DoDEA schools, and TRICARE clinics, with MWR programs like 2025 Brussels cultural festivals enhancing community life.
Key Military Facilities
Kleine Brogel Air Base (Peer): Hosts the Belgian 10th Tactical Wing with F-16s and USAF’s 701st Munitions Support Squadron, managing nuclear munitions, with 1,500 personnel.
Chièvres Air Base (Chièvres): Operated by USAF’s 424th Air Base Squadron, supports SHAPE logistics with C-37A aircraft, hosting 1,000 personnel.
Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (Casteau): NATO’s Allied Command Operations headquarters, supported by USAG Benelux, with 2,000 personnel.
Brussels Leased Installation (Brussels): USAG Benelux facility supporting NATO and U.S. personnel, with 500 personnel.
USAG Benelux-Brunssum (Brunssum, Netherlands): Supports NATO’s Joint Force Command Brunssum, with 300 U.S. personnel, near Belgium’s border.
Strategic Importance
Belgium’s bases are critical for NATO and U.S. European Command. Kleine Brogel Air Base’s 701st Munitions Support Squadron maintains B61 nuclear bombs, with the 10th Tactical Wing’s F-16s conducting 2,000 sorties annually. Chièvres Air Base’s 424th Air Base Squadron supports 500 SHAPE airlift missions yearly, with 2025 memorial events honoring WWII crash sites. SHAPE, as NATO’s operational headquarters, oversees 30 nations’ forces, coordinating 2024 exercises like Steadfast Defender. Brussels Leased Installation and USAG Benelux-Brunssum support NATO logistics and prepositioned stocks. These bases ensure regional security despite unconfirmed 2024 incident reports.
Notable Distinctions
Kleine Brogel Air Base is one of six European bases storing U.S. nuclear munitions, hosting the 2023 Belgian Air Force Days. Chièvres Air Base, known as SHAPE Airfield, is NATO’s primary logistics hub in Belgium. SHAPE is NATO’s nerve center, uniting 30 allied nations. The bases offer 1,000 housing units, DoDEA schools, and MWR events like 2025 Mons heritage tours, fostering communities in Belgium’s historic regions.
U.S. service members on PCS to Belgium or TDY in Belgium will find mission-critical roles and vibrant communities at Kleine Brogel, Chièvres, SHAPE, and Brussels. From Brussels’ Grand Place to Mons’ medieval charm, Belgium’s bases provide robust support, quality education, and unforgettable cultural experiences for military families.