Key facts
- Belgium plans to buy 10 NASAMS launchers and 20 Skyranger air defence systems.
- The total cost for these systems is approximately 3.1 billion euros.
- The purchases are intended to enhance Belgium's air defence capabilities.
- Belgium is seeking ministerial approval for the acquisitions.
- The country may use Dutch framework contracts to expedite the process.
Belgium is planning a significant investment in its air defence capabilities, intending to purchase 10 advanced surface-to-air missile system (NASAMS) launchers from Kongsberg and 20 Skyranger short-range air defence systems from Rheinmetall. The total cost for these acquisitions is estimated at 3.1 billion euros.
These plans are subject to approval from Belgium's council of ministers and could be announced during an upcoming NATO summit. To expedite the process, Belgium aims to utilize existing framework contracts established with the Netherlands. The NASAMS systems are noted for their effectiveness but come with a high price, particularly for their missiles, which can cost up to one million euros each. Belgium and Luxembourg are reportedly paying 250 million euros per battery for the NASAMS systems, excluding missile costs.
Beyond these planned purchases, Belgium is also exploring the procurement of longer-range air defence systems, such as Patriot, as part of a layered defence strategy. The Belgian army will operate Blaze interceptor unmanned aerial vehicles, and the country is also rebuilding its very-short-range air-defence capabilities with a Mistral battery. The agreement with the Netherlands also benefits the Belgian defence industry, with potential for FN Herstal to produce AMRAAM missiles used by NASAMS.