Belgium Orders NASAMS Air Defense System in $1 Billion Deal

Belgium has placed an order for the NASAMS air defense system in a deal worth approximately $1 billion, according to Turkish news agency Anadolu, as European governments continue to invest heavily in bolstering their air defense capabilities.

NASAMS, a medium-range surface-to-air missile system developed jointly by Norway's Kongsberg and the American defense firm RTX, has become one of the most widely adopted air defense systems among European militaries in recent years, in part due to its proven use defending Ukrainian airspace against Russian missile and drone attacks.

In addition to the NASAMS order, Belgium is jointly procuring SkyRanger-30 short-range air defense systems and advanced radar equipment together with the Netherlands, according to the report, reflecting a broader trend of European countries pooling procurement to reduce costs and standardize equipment across allied militaries.

The acquisitions form part of a wider push across NATO's European members to rebuild air defense capacity that was significantly drawn down after the Cold War. Concerns over Russian drone incursions near NATO airspace and broader hybrid threats have accelerated these efforts over the past two years.

Belgian defense officials have not provided a detailed delivery timeline for the new systems. The purchases add to a wave of similar orders placed by other European governments seeking to close gaps in short- and medium-range air defense coverage.