Wire flash
ConflictBelgium announces €3B defense acquisition at NATO summit in Ankara, including NASAMS and SkyRanger systems
Editorial responsibility
- No named human review is recorded for this page.
- Source reporting is collected, normalized, translated or condensed automatically when needed.
- Automatically published source-backed update
Belgium has confirmed a major defense acquisition valued at over €3 billion ($3.4 billion) at the NATO Summit held in Ankara, Turkey. Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken announced the procurement of 10 NASAMS air defense systems from Kongsberg and 20 SkyRanger 30 systems from Rheinmetall. The package also includes 14 GM200 radars from Thales and Iveco trucks, with 54 command vehicles reported. Belgium will work with the Netherlands to develop a shared air defense architecture for the Benelux region. To ensure initial operational capability, Belgium will lease a minimum NASAMS capacity from Kongsberg starting in 2027. The NASAMS system can accommodate various missile types including AMRAAM and AIM-9X Sidewinder, while the SkyRanger 30 features a 30mm cannon capable of firing 1,200 rounds per minute. Francken stated this rebuilds Belgium's air defense capability after 20 years without one.
Source report
Ankara, Türkiye — Belgium has confirmed a major defence acquisition valued at more than €3 billion ($3.4 billion), announced during the NATO Summit held in Ankara, Türkiye.
In a post on X, Belgian Minister of Defence Theo Francken stated that the country will procure:
- 10 NASAMS air defence systems, developed by Kongsberg
- 20 SkyRanger 30 systems, produced by Rheinmetall
- 14 GM200 radars, from Thales
- Iveco trucks, including 54 command vehicles (per Brussels Times)
Regional Cooperation
With this announcement, Belgium will work alongside the Netherlands to develop a shared air defence architecture for the Benelux region, which comprises Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.
Francken said: "A major order (worth more than €3bn) that will strengthen our collective security, while creating high-value industrial opportunities for Belgian and Dutch companies."
NASAMS Capabilities
The NASAMS system can accommodate a variety of missile types, including:
- AMRAAM
- AMRAAM-Extended Range
- AIM-9X Sidewinder
It provides both extended and short-range defensive options. Key technology components include Raytheon's radar, advanced missile variants, Kongsberg's Fire Distribution Center, and multi-missile launchers.
Kongsberg confirmed that contract negotiations are ongoing and stated it would not provide further details until a definitive contract is signed, which is anticipated later in 2026.
According to Brussels Times, to ensure an initial level of operational capability, Belgium will lease a minimum NASAMS capacity from Kongsberg beginning in 2027.
SkyRanger 30
The SkyRanger 30, also known as the Oerlikon Skyranger 30, is designed as a lightweight, multirole air defence system adaptable to different wheeled or tracked vehicle platforms. Its 30mm x 173 calibre KCE Revolver Cannon is capable of firing 1,200 rounds per minute and has an effective range of up to 3 km.
Minister's Statement
Theo Francken said: "After twenty years without one, Belgium will rebuild its own powerful air defence capability with this joint purchase. This step is essential for the protection of our population and critical infrastructure."
Source
Army TechnologyWestern
Part of this Story
Belgium and Netherlands Sign €3.1 Billion Joint Air Defense Deal at NATO Summit