The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced that the U.S. Department of State has decided to approve a Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Belgium for Hellfire missiles and and related equipment worth an estimated $79 million. According to the agency, the required certification and related documents announcing the potential sale were delivered to the US Congress on December 8.
The potential sale includes 240 Hellfire missiles (AGM-114R2) for the Belgian Air Force’s MQ-9B SkyGuardian unmanned aerial vehicles. Support equipment, communications and training equipment, spare parts, consumables, accessories, technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, and logistics are also key components of the package.
AGM-114 Hellfire missiles loaded onto an SH-60B Sea Hawk helicopter aboard guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG 69). (US Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nick Scott)
The deal’s prime contractor will be Lockheed Martin Corporation, located in Troy, AL. Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Belgium.
Aviation Ordnancemen inspect “Hellfire” missiles on the flight deck of USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) (US Navy/Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Jayme Pastoric)
The State Department’s approval of this potential arms sale indicates that the sale is not a concern for the US administration. As usual with Foreign Military Sales of this type if the US Congress does not object to the State Department’s decision within 30 business days, the administration will begin negotiations with the Belgian government over the content of the sales package, and the procurement process will commence. Unless the US Congress objects to the sale, the Belgian Air Force will receive Hellfire missiles to support NATO’s defense mission and improve its ability to counter current threats. The AGM 114 Hellfire, which includes a 9 kg warhead and has a range of 7.1 to 11 km depending on trajectory, will enhance Belgium’s precision strike capabilities.