Belgium will receive its first National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) in the second half of 2027, Defence Minister Theo Francken confirmed on Wednesday.
The move marks a significant step in addressing Belgium’s long-criticised shortfall in air defence capabilities.
The modernisation comes as NATO partners continue urging member states to strengthen defensive systems against evolving aerial threats, including drones, cruise missiles, and advanced aircraft. Belgium’s current air defence capacity has been described as “insufficient for present-day risks,” prompting accelerated procurement efforts.
The NASAMS platform, developed jointly by Norway’s Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and the US company Raytheon, features short- and medium-range surface-to-air missile batteries capable of neutralising various airborne targets. Its deployment is expected to provide Belgium with a much-needed technological edge within the alliance.
Under the new agreement, Belgium will acquire ten NASAMS systems in cooperation with the Netherlands, strengthening defence interoperability between the two countries.
Joint procurement is expected to streamline training, maintenance and operational coordination across borders.
To ensure Belgium’s defence personnel gain experience well before the first systems arrive, the country will temporarily lease a NASAMS unit from the manufacturer by mid-2027.
This leased platform will allow for early operational capacity, intensive training, and refinement of deployment procedures.
In addition to NASAMS, Belgium will introduce twenty mobile close-range defence systems known as Skyrangers.Manufactured in Germany, the Skyranger units will help counter low-flying threats and are intended to operate alongside NASAMS to provide a layered defensive shield.
Defence experts say the combination of mobile close-range and medium-range missile systems represents a critical shift in Belgium’s strategic planning.
It reflects a broader European trend of reinforcing air defence following heightened geopolitical tensions and rapid advancements in missile technologies.
However, one major component of Belgium’s defence overhaul remains undecided: long-range air defence. The government is weighing two major systems — the US-made Patriot and the Franco-Italian SAMP/T.
The Patriot system is widely used across NATO and known for its reliability in intercepting ballistic missiles, while the SAMP/T offers advanced mobility and has gained prominence in European defence discussions.
A comparative study evaluating performance, costs, and alliance compatibility is expected by summer, after which the government will make a final selection.
Minister Francken emphasised that the decision must align with Belgium’s long-term strategic interests and obligations to NATO. He also noted that bolstering air defence is not only essential for military installations but increasingly relevant for protecting key civilian infrastructure.
Belgium’s renewed focus on air defence comes amid broader efforts to upgrade outdated military equipment and meet NATO spending commitments. Public debate has intensified in recent years over the country’s vulnerability to airborne threats, particularly as neighbouring states continue strengthening their defence systems.
With NASAMS set to arrive in 2027 and interim measures in place to ensure early readiness, Belgium is taking concrete steps to close its critical defence gaps.
The combination of new technology, international cooperation, and improved training is expected to significantly enhance national and regional security.
As the government prepares for its long-range defence decision next year, analysts say Belgium’s air defence transformation is finally gaining momentum after years of delay and limited investment. The coming years will be pivotal in determining how effectively the country positions itself against emerging military threats.
