The U.S. State Department has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to Belgium of AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missiles and related equipment valued at up to $567.8 million, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on 15 September.
According to the notification to Congress, Belgium has requested up to 320 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder tactical missiles, 258 AIM-9X Block II+ missiles, 50 AIM-9X Block II tactical guidance units, and 30 AIM-9X Block II+ tactical guidance units.
The package also includes missile containers, weapons software, transportation, and U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistical support services, along with other elements of programme support.
DSCA said the proposed sale “will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.” The agency added that the transfer will provide Belgium with modern air-to-air weapons for its F-35 fleet in support of NATO’s defence mission and that the country will be able to integrate the missiles without difficulty.
The announcement stressed that the sale will not alter the basic military balance in the region. RTX Corporation, headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, will be the principal contractor. No offset agreements are currently in place, though DSCA noted that any offsets would be defined in future negotiations between Belgium and the contractor.
Implementation of the sale will require four U.S. Government personnel and two contractors to deploy temporarily to Belgium for programme oversight and support. DSCA confirmed that the transaction will have no adverse impact on U.S. defence readiness.
The $567.8 million figure reflects the maximum estimated cost. The final value will depend on Belgium’s budget, final requirements, and the terms of a signed sales agreement.
