As per a report by BBC on Saturday, May 9, 2026, Belgium has made a decisive move to enhance its aerial capabilities and strengthen its position in the defense manufacturing landscape of Europe.
The Belgian government has officially sought approval from the U.S. for a significant arms deal estimated at up to $3.69 billion (€3.13 billion), based on information from the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).
Central to this ambitious arrangement are hundreds of high-tech AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles made by Raytheon, a leading American defense firm that is now part of RTX.
These missiles, which utilize radar guidance and can target enemy aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles at great distances, are engineered for accuracy and impact.
They will mainly be used to equip Belgium’s growing number of 45 F-35 Lightning II stealth jets, which are planned to fully replace the aging F-16s in the near future.
Furthermore, these missiles can integrate well with Belgium’s upcoming NASAMS (National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System) ground-based air defense systems, forming a layered and effective protection against aerial threats.
The AMRAAM has gained a strong reputation through its successful use in recent conflicts, especially in supporting Ukraine’s air defense efforts.
Its active radar seeker allows pilots or ground teams to “fire and forget,” enabling engagement of multiple targets at once while retaining tactical flexibility, a crucial advantage in modern high-intensity warfare.
Beyond merely purchasing weapons, Belgium is planning for the future. The government seeks that this large order will lead to local co-production of AMRAAM parts or even final assembly in Belgium.
High-level discussions are already taking place to convert the historic FN Herstal (FN Browning) site in Zutendaal, Flanders, into a European center for missile production.
If successful, this location could provide not only for Belgium’s military but also for other NATO partners throughout Europe, creating jobs, transferring technology, and enhancing Europe’s defense industrial capacity.
U.S. Ambassador to Belgium Bill White has recently expressed strong backing for Belgium’s initiative, suggesting that the country’s prospects are “very good.”
This potential collaboration represents a wider transatlantic effort to boost missile manufacturing in response to escalating global tensions, reduced stockpiles due to support for Ukraine, and the necessity to deter rival nations.
By localizing some aspects of production while ensuring sensitive technologies (such as advanced seekers and software) remain under U.S. control, this plan aims to balance security with industrial partnership.
This initiative fits seamlessly with Belgium’s ongoing military upgrades. The nation is notably increasing its F-35 fleet by adding 11 jets to an initial order of 34, raising the total to 45 fifth-generation aircraft.
These stealth jets require equally sophisticated weaponry like the AMRAAM to optimize their effectiveness in contested airspace.
Alongside this, investing in NASAMS improves ground-based air defense, ensuring redundancy and safeguarding vital infrastructure and troop formations……See More
Leave a Reply