Belgium has revived a Cold War air defence squadron after 37 years as its billion-dollar missile shield takes shape, with the first of its new NASAMS systems due to arrive at the end of next year.

The 51st Squadron, which once guarded NATO airspace with Nike Hercules missiles, will operate the equipment Belgium is buying under its “Blue Dome” plan: 10 NASAMS missile systems, 20 Skyranger 30 anti-aircraft guns, 14 modern radars and 54 command vehicles, all linked into a single network.

Norwegian defence group Kongsberg signed a contract worth NOK 10 billion, about $1 billion, in September to supply the NASAMS medium-range air defence system to Belgium, which became the 18th country to order it. The deal was formally marked at a ceremony on 9 November.

Joint purchase with the Netherlands

The Netherlands’ armed forces procurement authority signed the contract on Belgium’s behalf, and the Belgian Air Force will be the end user. Belgium committed €3.1 billion to the joint purchase with the Netherlands, including ammunition, and will lease a NASAMS system from 2027 to build an initial capability while it waits for its own.

Built by Kongsberg with Raytheon, NASAMS can intercept cruise missiles, fighter jets and helicopters at ranges of up to 50 kilometres, according to Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken.

Europe rebuilds its air defences

The purchase is part of a wider European rush to rebuild ground-based air defences after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine exposed gaps in the continent’s protection against missiles and drones. Belgium’s separate orders for Skyranger guns and Thales radars were announced in the same week.

More than 100 NASAMS platforms are already in service on five continents. Sources: Shephard Media and Kongsberg.