Belgium has confirmed a joint €3.1 billion procurement with the Netherlands for layered air defence systems and ammunition, formalized during Nato’s annual summit in Ankara on Wednesday.
The agreement was signed in the Turkish capital by Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, Defence Minister Theo Francken and Dutch Defence Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz.
Francken said the acquisition would restore Belgium’s robust air defence capability, describing it as a vital investment to safeguard both the population and the country’s critical infrastructure.
The purchase includes 10 long-range NASAMS air defence batteries, manufactured by Norway’s Kongsberg, and 20 fixed-position SkyRanger 30 systems developed by Rheinmetall Switzerland.
Designed to intercept aircraft, helicopters and short- to medium-range cruise missiles, the NASAMS batteries will operate alongside the SkyRanger 30 systems. The latter provide the first layer of defence and are equipped with a 30mm cannon intended to neutralise low-flying threats such as drones while also protecting the NASAMS units.
The deal further includes 14 GM200 radar systems produced by France’s Thales and 54 command vehicles supplied by Italy’s Iveco.
To accelerate the introduction of the new capability, Belgium will lease a minimum NASAMS configuration from Kongsberg starting in 2027 until its own systems are fully operational.
Belgium and the Netherlands will also adopt a common architecture for their ground-based air defence networks, a step the Belgian government said will enhance co-operation in training, maintenance, logistics and operational deployment.
