Belgium plans €3 billion purchase of US missiles for F-35 jets and air defence

Belgium plans to buy billions of euros’ worth of American missiles to strengthen its air force and air defence systems, according to reports by Belgian newspapers De Tijd and L’Echo.

The Belgian government has asked the United States for approval to purchase up to 3.69 billion dollars (€3.13 billion) in weapons, documents from the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency show.

The order includes AIM-120 Amraam missiles made by American defence company Raytheon. The missiles will equip Belgium’s 45 F-35 fighter jets and could also be used in the country’s Nasams air defence systems.

The Amraam is a radar-guided missile designed to hit aircraft and other airborne targets. The system has gained attention for its use in Ukraine.

Belgium also hopes the deal could help bring part of Raytheon’s production to Belgium. Talks are under way about using the FN Browning site in Zutendaal as a manufacturing location for missiles supplied across Europe.

However, Belgium faces competition from the Netherlands, which is also seeking the contract and has already placed major Amraam orders in recent years.

^{The arrival of a Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter jets at the Florennes military airbase © BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM}