The US State Department approved on May 18, a potential $236 million sale of Joint Strike Missiles (JSM) to Belgium for its F‑35A fighter fleet. This Foreign Military Sale will include an undisclosed number of long‑range cruise missiles, plus equipment, spares, training, and support, to provide Belgium’s modern F‑35As with deep‑strike and anti-ship capabilities. The JSM will complement Belgium’s defense modernization plans by enhancing precision-strike capabilities and NATO interoperability.
JSM is a high-subsonic air-launched cruise missile developed jointly by Norway’s Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace and Raytheon. The JSM measures approximately 4.0 meters in length and weighs about 416 kilograms. Its low-observable shape and advanced imaging infrared seeker give it a high degree of stealth and target selectivity. The weapon carries a 500-lb-class warhead (around 120 kg) optimized for impact or time-delayed fusing. Kongsberg’s published data list the range at over 350 km. It can strike both land and sea targets, making it suitable for anti-ship missions as well as deep strike.
US approves $236 million Joint Strike Missile sale to Belgium. (Kongsberg)
The approved sale marks Belgium’s first procurement of an air-launched cruise missile. According to the DSCA notification, the sale enhances Belgium’s ability to address current and future threats by increasing the lethality of its F-35 platform and supporting the Belgian Ministry of Defense in contributing to NATO’s collective defense. Belgian officials have noted that adding the long‑range, precision JSM provides a “game changer” for national deterrence and operational autonomy as Belgium assumes its full 5th‑gen capability. The JSM gives Belgium a modern interoperable stand-off weapon that complements allied air defenses and strike forces. The $236 million FMS total covers not only the missiles themselves but also extensive support: DSCA lists spare parts, technical services, software updates, training devices and contractor support under the deal. Kongsberg (Norway) and Raytheon/RTX (US) will be the prime contractors supplying the system.
The US-approved sale of Joint Strike Missiles gives Belgium’s emerging F‑35 force a powerful capability. With internal carriage preserving stealth and an imaging IR seeker guiding a heavy warhead, the JSM will extend Belgium’s reach to well beyond the range of its previous munitions. The deal’s strategic aim is clear: to field long-range precision-strike weapons that strengthen NATO’s overall deterrent while aligning Belgium’s defenses with those of its allies.