Francken on new defence deal: “After 20 years, Belgium finally has air defence again”

On the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken, together with Prime Minister Bart De Wever and Dutch Defence Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz, signed a landmark defence agreement. Belgium and the Netherlands will jointly procure a layered air defence system.

“After 20 years without an air defence capability, Belgium will once again build up a robust national air defence system through this joint purchase. This is a crucial step in protecting our population and critical infrastructure,” said Theo Francken.

A multi-billion-euro investment

The government is investing €3.1 billion, including munitions, in a modern, layered air defence system built with European technology. The procurement includes 10 Norwegian-made NASAMS air defence systems, 14 Dutch GM200 Multi Mission Radars, 20 Swiss SkyRanger 30 systems and 54 command vehicles manufactured by Italy’s Iveco.

The NASAMS system is capable of intercepting aircraft, helicopters and cruise missiles at short and medium range. The SkyRanger 30, meanwhile, is a mobile air defence system equipped with a 30 mm cannon, specifically designed to neutralise drones and other low-flying threats while also protecting the NASAMS batteries themselves.

Belgium will develop this capability in close cooperation with the Netherlands. Both countries will use the same ground-based air defence architecture, significantly strengthening cooperation in training, maintenance, logistics and operational deployment.

Major economic boost for Belgium’s defence industry

The investment is not only of strategic military importance but also represents a major economic opportunity. Theo Francken stressed that Belgium’s defence industry stands to benefit significantly from the agreement, with the expected economic return estimated at several hundred million euros and potentially exceeding €1 billion.

Dozens of Belgian companies, including Sabena, Sonaca, ScioTeq, ACB, Advionics and John Cockerill, will contribute to the production of key components, software, radar technology and maintenance services.

Theo Francken welcomed the agreement: “This procurement will generate substantial work for our defence industry. And it’s about more than just jobs. It will also bring valuable knowledge transfer. Our companies will become part of a highly valuable industrial supply chain. That creates long-term opportunities: more contracts for Belgian companies and an even stronger position for our defence industry within Europe’s air defence sector.”