Last November, I had the opportunity to attend a Tech&Meet event hosted by the Belgian Cyber Command, a division of the Belgian Armed Forces. During the session, Colonel Gunther Godefridis offered fascinating insights into the unit’s mission, daily operations, and the vital role they play in safeguarding Belgium’s digital landscape.
Colonel Godefridis explained that cyberspace is now officially recognized as the fifth domain of military operations, joining the air & space, naval, land and medical component. Established in October 2022, the Cyber Command is dedicated to defending against a wide range of digital threats that target not only Belgium, but also its allies. Their mission is to protect critical infrastructure and ensure national security.
He further went on to describe how the Belgian Cyber Command operates within a structured “Protect, Defend, Collect, and Fight” approach. This includes everything from protecting and securing communication, information and weapons systems to intelligence collection and offensive responses.
The Colonel also highlighted the importance of building strong partnerships with academia, government agencies and many more to maintain Belgium’s cyber resilience.
To conclude his talk, Colonel Godefridis stated that the Cyber Command is actively recruiting both civilians and military personnel. Opportunities are available for full-time soldiers, reservists, and technically skilled civilians—provided they meet the necessary language, security clearance, and expertise requirements.
This session was a great opportunity to learn more about the Belgian Cyber Command and the challenges they face in today’s digital world. It’s clear that cyber defense is now a core part of national security, and Belgium is taking important steps to stay prepared.