Belgium initiates a major defense move: A €3.13 billion request for F-35 and NASAMS ammunition is underway. Aiming to bolster its airspace security and strike capabilities, Belgium has requested official U.S. approval for a massive procurement package centered on AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles. This strategic step, covering both the F-35 Lightning II fleet and ground-based air defense systems, is set to become one of the most significant pillars of the country’s modern defense strategy.
Integration with F-35 and NASAMS Systems
At the core of the procurement process are the AIM-120 AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile) systems, produced by RTX (Raytheon). According to reports from Belgian outlets De Tijd and L’Echo, these munitions are slated for a dual-role deployment: they will serve as the primary strike power for Belgium’s future F-35 fleet and will also be integrated into NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) batteries to meet the country’s medium-range air defense requirements.
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Local Production and the Zutendaal Angle
One of the notable technical details in the report is the potential boost to Belgium’s local defense industry. The Belgian government is said to be in talks with Raytheon to have part of the munitions production process carried out on domestic soil. Under these plans, facilities in Zutendaal, located in the Limburg region and operated by the FN Browning Group, are being considered as an assembly line for the missiles. This move is expected to create a strategic technology transfer opportunity for Belgium’s defense sector.
Approval Process and Timeline
The ammunition package, planned and budgeted by the Belgian Ministry of Defense, will be finalized pending official approval from the U.S. government. The delivery schedule for the missiles is expected to be coordinated in line with the operational timeline of the F-35 aircraft that Belgium is set to receive.
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Source: C4Defence-Belga News Agency
