BRUSSELS, — Belgium and the Netherlands have signed new agreements to strengthen their joint air and missile defence capabilities. Under the agreements signed on November 9, Belgium will acquire NASAMS, Skyranger 30 and Multi-Mission Radar (MMR) systems with Dutch support.
The procurement is part of Belgium's Blue Dome programme, which aims to establish a layered air defence network to protect critical infrastructure and the civilian population against drones, aircraft and cruise missiles.
€3.1 Billion Air Defence Package
The joint procurement package, valued at approximately €3.1 billion, includes:
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10 NASAMS systems: Developed by Norway's Kongsberg, these systems will provide medium-range air defence against aircraft, helicopters and cruise missiles. A contract worth approximately €918–920 million was signed in September 2026.
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20 Skyranger 30 systems: Manufactured by Germany's Rheinmetall, these platforms feature a 30 mm automatic cannon designed to counter drones and other low-flying threats. They will be mounted on hooklift platforms for stationary protection of territory and critical infrastructure. Deliveries will begin in late 2028.
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14 Multi-Mission Radars: Supplied by Thales Netherlands, these mobile radars will provide aerial surveillance and target-tracking capabilities.
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54 Iveco command vehicles: These will support the command and control network.
The systems are identical to those being integrated into the Dutch armed forces, allowing both countries to share training, maintenance and operational arrangements.
Dutch Support and Training
The Netherlands will assist Belgium with training, testing, technical knowledge-sharing and operational preparations. Belgian personnel have already started training on NASAMS in the Netherlands.
Belgium will also participate in the production and acceptance of the MMR systems and join their international user group. Vice Admiral Jan Willem Hartman, Commander of the Dutch Materiel and IT Command, signed the agreements on behalf of the Netherlands Ministry of Defence.
Belgian technology companies are also expected to participate in the supply chain for the Blue Dome programme.
Delivery Timeline and 51st Squadron
Belgium plans to lease a NASAMS capability from 2027 to establish an initial operational capacity while waiting for its own systems. The first permanent NASAMS deliveries are scheduled for the end of 2027, while Skyranger 30 deliveries will begin in late 2028.
On November 9, Belgium also reactivated its 51st Squadron after 37 years. The unit previously operated Nike Hercules surface-to-air missiles during the Cold War and will now operate the country's new ground-based air defence systems.
The two countries will continue cooperating on deployment, maintenance and future software development to improve interoperability and strengthen their joint air defence capabilities within the Benelux region and NATO.
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