BRUSSELS — Belgium is preparing a €3.1 billion procurement of 20 Skyranger short-range air defense systems and 10 National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) launchers, with the proposal expected to be announced during the NATO summit in Ankara on July 7-8, pending approval by the Belgian council of ministers.
A Belgian official confirmed the plan to Reuters on July 2.
The package restores a mobile ground-based air defense capability Belgium has lacked since the early 2010s. It also follows Defence Minister Theo Francken's earlier confirmation that the Skyranger platform would be part of the country's Strategic Vision 2025 modernization plan covering 2026-2034.
Belgium intends to procure the systems through existing Dutch framework contracts instead of launching a separate tender. The Netherlands signed its agreement with Rheinmetall on Dec. 11, 2025, covering Skyranger 30 systems, tracked vehicles, static mounts and logistical support, with deliveries scheduled from 2028.
Using the same framework makes the Skyranger 30 variant the expected choice for Belgium, although the government has not confirmed the final configuration. The arrangement would allow common training, shared spare parts, software updates and aligned operational procedures with the Dutch armed forces.
Belgium has also not confirmed which carrier platform will be selected. The Dutch use the ACSV Gen 5 tracked support vehicle, a choice that would increase commonality but also require Belgium to operate a new tracked fleet. Static firing units remain another option for fixed-site protection, though they would not provide mobile cover for maneuvering brigades.
The Skyranger 30 carries an unmanned turret fitted with a 30×173 mm Oerlikon KCE revolver cannon capable of firing about 1,200 rounds per minute at targets up to 3 kilometers away. It uses programmable AHEAD airburst ammunition, including the PMC308 round and the developing PMC455 round, which disperses around 500 tungsten fragments against drones, loitering munitions and other low-altitude threats.
The system can also be equipped with short-range missiles including Stinger, Mistral 3, MBDA DefendAir or SkyKnight, extending engagement range to about 10 kilometers.
Detection is provided by the Hensoldt Spexer 2000M 3D MkIII X-band AESA radar. The radar can detect small drones at 9 kilometers and low-flying helicopters at 36 kilometers. Thermal imaging and electro-optical tracking systems are integrated for target tracking and engagement.
Rheinmetall displayed a layered air defense configuration at the BEDEX 2026 exhibition pairing static Skyranger 30 units with NASAMS batteries through Thales Ground Master 200 multi-mission radars. In that configuration, NASAMS engages medium-range aerial threats while Skyranger protects the missile batteries from drones and cruise missiles at close range.
Belgium plans to use the systems to protect both deployed forces and critical infrastructure. Earlier reports said NASAMS batteries would also be deployed around the Port of Antwerp after several incidents involving unidentified drones over sensitive facilities.
The procurement enters a European market where demand for ground-based air defense systems continues to increase. Rheinmetall plans to expand Skyranger production from about 70 turrets annually to as many as 400, but existing orders and planned acquisitions from Germany, Austria, Denmark, the Netherlands, Romania and Hungary have already filled much of the production pipeline.
If approved, the procurement will provide Belgium with 20 Skyranger systems and 10 NASAMS launchers under a single €3.1 billion package while rebuilding the country's inner layer of ground-based air defense through a procurement process aligned with the Netherlands.
Source: Reuters.
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