The United States government has authorized the sale of new air-to-ground Hellfire missiles to equip the Belgian Air Force’s new MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones. This follows one of the notifications submitted by the U.S. Department of State to the U.S. Congress in order to approve the transaction under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, valued at US$79 million.
While attention has largely focused on the recent induction and arrival of the first stealth F-35 fighters, intended to replace the F-16s, the Belgian Air Force is also incorporating new unmanned capabilities. These have taken shape with the reception and integration of the first MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones, with the arrival of the first system at Florennes Air Base recorded at the end of last September.
In total, the European country has acquired, and is in the process of receiving, four unmanned systems supplied by General Atomics, primarily intended to carry out intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.
Following the arrival of the first drone in Belgium and its integration into the 2nd Squadron “Comet,” the Belgian Air Force has set 2026 as the year to achieve Initial Operational Capability (IOC).
Although no further details were provided, it is presumed that the Belgian Air Force intends to equip its new drones—like other platforms in service—with the capability to strike ground targets, reflected in the incorporation of air-to-ground missiles from the Hellfire family.
This stems from the aforementioned authorization issued on December 8, in which the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) detailed the request submitted by the Belgian government for the acquisition of a total of two hundred forty (240) AGM-114R2 missiles, along with their respective support package, with Lockheed Martin as the principal contractor.
Finally, the Department of State noted: “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO Ally which is an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.”
Adding: “The proposed sale will improve Belgium’s combat capability for counterterrorism operations. Belgium is a long-time operator of several advanced air-to-ground munitions via its F-35 and F-16 programs. Belgium will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.”
You may also be interested in: With the arrival of its first F-35As, Belgium prepares to begin the transfer of 30 F-16 fighters to the Ukrainian Air Force
