Belgium closes in on advanced US missiles for fighter jets
The AMRAAM is a fire-and-forget air-to-air missile and has replaced the AIM-7 Sparrow as the US military's standard beyond visual range intercept missile. (Photo: US DoD)
The proposed AMRAAM sale to Belgium for F-16 and F-35 fleets would significantly improve the NATO ally's ability to meet current and future challenges in the air.
The US State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale of AIM-120C-8 advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles (AMRAAM) to Belgium, the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on 9 November.
The principal contractor is set to be Raytheon Missile Systems.
If approved, the $380 million contract would allow Belgium to buy 120 missiles incrementally and ten AMRAAM C-8 guidance sections.
Related equipment, such as AIM-120 control sections and containers, AIM-120C captive air training missiles (CATM) and other spare parts, consumables, accessories and training equipment would also be included.
The DSCA noted in a statement that: ‘The proposed sale will improve Belgium’s capability to meet current and future threats by maintaining its F-16 and F-35 fleets in combat-ready status and providing a credible deterrent to regional threats.’
Belgium will have no difficulty absorbing these technologies into its armed forces, the DSCA added.
The AMRAAM is a fire-and-forget air-to-air missile and has replaced the AIM-7 Sparrow as the US military's standard beyond visual range intercept missile.
It is the main all-weather, all-environment radar-guided, air-to-air missile developed jointly by the USAF and USN and has undergone various service life improvements over the past couple of decades.
Belgium was the first European FMS customer for the F-35, and has a programme of record for 34 aircraft. Deliveries have yet to commence.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![GA-ASI confirms selection to support US Navy’s CCA programme]()
GA-ASI confirms selection to support US Navy’s CCA programme
The company is working on conceptual designs for the US Navy’s CCA programme alongside Anduril, Northrop Grumman and Boeing.
-
![The growing importance of the Blue UAS Cleared List]()
The growing importance of the Blue UAS Cleared List
Inclusion on the Defense Innovation Unit’s Blue UAS Cleared List is set to become ever more crucial for uncrewed aerial vehicle manufacturers due to the access it gives to the US market, which is set to expand significantly over the next 10 years.
-
![AUSA 2025: US Army and Bell squeeze MV-75 programme]()
AUSA 2025: US Army and Bell squeeze MV-75 programme
The MV-75, previously V-280, was originally designed as an assault aircraft which would replace some of the Black Hawk helicopters and add speed as a tilt-rotor platform. It is now envisioned to add a greater multirole capability reminiscent of the Black Hawk fleet.
-
![India elevates defence systems to boost mountain surveillance]()
India elevates defence systems to boost mountain surveillance
India has strengthened its focus on terrain-adaptive intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance following recent incursions and drone activity along the country’s northern borders.
