Belgium will spend €700 million on missiles and drones for its F-35 fighters, enabling long-range strikes.
Contracts will be split between European and US defense firms. The deal includes AGM-184 cruise missiles (range 350 km), jointly produced by the US and Norway.
These missiles allow Belgian aviation to strike deep without entering enemy air defense zones.
Belgium bought 34 F-35s in 2018 to replace aging F-16s, and is preparing a contract for 11 more. The first three were delivered in late 2025.
Defense Minister Theo Franken stated that as F-35s arrive, retired F-16s will be transferred to Ukraine.
