Belgium orders NASAMS air defense system for $1B

Belgium has ordered the Norwegian-made NASAMS air defense system in a contract worth €918 million ($1 billion), broadcaster RTBF reported Wednesday.

The contract was signed with the Dutch Armed Forces Procurement Authority, with the Netherlands purchasing the system on Belgium’s behalf.

The Belgian Air Force will be the end user.

“With the purchase of NASAMS, Belgium will obtain robust national air defense coverage and, at the same time, contribute to greater European security,” Norwegian defense company Kongsberg President and CEO Eirik Lie said.

Belgium will temporarily lease a NASAMS system from 2027 to accelerate the development of its initial air defense capability.

The system is designed to engage short- and medium-range aerial threats, including aircraft, helicopters and cruise missiles.

Belgium and the Netherlands are also jointly procuring additional air defense capabilities, including SkyRanger-30 systems and advanced radar equipment.

The overall acquisition, including munitions, is expected to cost approximately €3.1 billion.