Belgium to supply Ukraine with AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles for NASAMS and small arms

Belgium is contemplating a new record-breaking military support package for Ukraine.

L’Echo writes about this.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine will receive weapons worth 90 million euros, which is equal to the cost of all Belgian assistance since the start of the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation to Ukraine.

The package will include AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, which are in the arsenal of Belgian F-16 fighters.

They can be used as anti-aircraft missiles as part of the NASAMS system.

As a matter of fact, at the end of 2022, the U.S. government authorized the sale to Belgium of the latest versions of these missiles worth $380 million.

Belgium plans to transfer a certain number of launchers for Mistral air defense systems, but without missiles since the country’s arsenals are empty. The missiles are expected to come from other states — France and Norway.

Belgium will also transfer an unknown amount of small arms and ammunition to the launchers. Part of it will come from the army, the rest will be purchased from the national manufacturer — FN Herstal.

In particular, a purchase will include SCAR assault rifles. The Ukrainian military will also receive machine guns – 5.56mm Minimi and 12.7mm M2.

Belgium can’t send tanks to Ukraine, since it removed its Leopard 1s from service back in 2014. The tanks were sold to a private company at a price of 10 to 15 thousand euros per unit. The Belgian government considered buying back equipment, but faced difficulties.

Previously, Belgium wanted to buy its former M109 from private company in order to transfer them to Ukraine. But these ACSs outbid the United Kingdom. The equipment is already participating in hostilities in Ukraine.