Belgium is set to spend nearly €700 million on Norwegian-made cruise missiles for its new F-35 fighter jets, according to reports by newspapers De Tijd and L’Echo.
The AGM-184 JSM missiles are being developed by Norway’s Kongsberg together with US defence firm Raytheon. The weapons can strike targets on land or at sea from up to 350 kilometres away.
The missiles can be carried inside the F-35 without reducing the aircraft’s stealth capability, which helps it avoid enemy radar detection. Belgium has already ordered 34 F-35 jets and plans to buy 11 more.
Defence officials have not revealed how many missiles are being purchased. Reports in the United States suggest each missile costs around €2.75 million.
The missiles are also expected to be used later on Belgium’s SkyGuardian military drones. In preparation, the army has ordered 16 Brimstone missiles and 120 Hellfire missiles for the drones.
The purchases are part of Belgium’s wider effort to strengthen its military capabilities amid growing security concerns in Europe.
F-35 fighter jet © BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM