The U.S. State Department approved a Foreign Military Sale to Belgium covering AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles and related equipment. While the initial ceiling reported to Congress was $567.8 million, the Belgian Defense Ministry confirmed the actual cost will be approximately €280 million. The deal includes several hundred missiles and guidance units for Belgium’s new F-35 jets replacing the F-16 fleet.
The AIM-9X Sidewinder features lock-on after launch and advanced electronic counter-countermeasures, providing a decisive advantage in short-range air combat. By transitioning from older F-16 systems, Belgium ensures NATO-compatible capabilities and strengthens its air defense posture. The acquisition is part of the Ammunition Readiness Plan 2025, addressing long-standing stockpile gaps across the armed forces.
This purchase ensures Belgium’s F-35 fleet enters service with modern short-range missiles, maintaining operational continuity and enhancing contributions to NATO’s collective air defense, while signaling Brussels’ commitment to regional security and defense readiness.
