Belgium, France and Britain launched reconnaissance over the Black Sea: AWACS, Raptors and refueling in the sky

 

A large—scale joint air mission recently took place over the Black Sea. Belgium, France and the United Kingdom conducted a reconnaissance patrol together, demonstrating their readiness and coordination in the face of the tense situation in the region. The mission looked like a real aviation parade of power: long-range radar detection aircraft, fighter jets, tankers and special reconnaissance vehicles took to the sky.

At the center of the operation is the French E—3F Sentry AWACS, a radar-mounted aircraft capable of "seeing" hundreds of kilometers around and controlling airspace. Working alongside him was the British RC-135, a legendary reconnaissance aircraft that intercepts radio signals, analyzes electronic emissions, and collects intelligence in real time. These two "heavenly command posts" became the eyes and ears of the mission.

Fighter jets flew under their cover. Belgium deployed two of its F-16s, which covered the scouts and were ready for any eventuality. France did not lag behind: two modern Rafales took to the air, capable of fighting, conducting reconnaissance, and delivering pinpoint strikes.

And so that all these planes could stay in the sky longer, the A330 MRTT, multi—purpose tankers for refueling in the air, joined the case. In total, three such aircraft were involved: two were French, and one was from the multinational MRTT NATO fleet, which this time had a Belgian crew at the helm. This is an important point: it shows how deep the integration between the allied countries is.

Photos and videos from the mission were published by the Belgian Defense Forces and the French Air and Space Forces (Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace) on social networks - not just as a report, but as a signal: we are here, we are together, and we are vigilant.

Such missions are part of NATO's efforts to strengthen its air presence over the Black Sea, especially in light of events in Ukraine. They are not aggressive, but they are helpful.: The Allies are monitoring the situation, coordinating actions and demonstrating their ability to react quickly.

The Belgian government plans to purchase 10 NASAMS air defense batteries from the Norwegian company Kongsberg through the Netherlands.

 

The Belgian government has offered to purchase 10 NASAMS air defense batteries from the Norwegian manufacturer Kongsberg through the mediation of the Netherlands. The total value of the transaction is estimated at about 2.5 billion euros. Each battery will include four launchers. NASAMS is a medium—range mobile anti-aircraft missile system developed jointly by the Norwegian company Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace and the American Raytheon. The complex is designed to protect against various aerial threats, including airplanes, drones and cruise missiles, and is equipped with AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles, AN/MPQ-64F1 Sentinel radar and optoelectronic sensors. The deal is aimed at filling Belgium's air defense system deficit, which previously relied on F-16 fighter jets for air defense. The acquisition of NASAMS will strengthen the protection of strategically important facilities, including the port of Antwerp, and enhance the country's defense capability in the face of growing tensions in Europe. Similar systems are used in a number of countries, including Norway, the USA, Finland, Spain and Ukraine.  

First F-35A fighter jet to arrive in Belgium in coming months after delays

 F-35A

Lockheed Martin announced that after a number of delays, the first F-35A fighter jet will arrive in Belgium in the coming months. This aircraft will be part of a general order for 34 fighters, which was concluded as part of the modernization program of the country's Air Force.

In 2018, Belgium selected the American F-35A as its main combat aircraft and signed a contract worth 3.6 billion euros (about 4.1 billion US dollars) for the supply of more than two dozen such vehicles manufactured in the United States. This step is aimed at replacing outdated fighter jets and significantly increasing the combat capabilities of the Belgian Air Force.

The delivery of the first aircraft will be an important stage in the implementation of the program, which includes not only the purchase of equipment, but also pilot training, technical staff training and the creation of the necessary infrastructure.

Belgium plans to strengthen its air defense through the acquisition of ten NASAMS batteries as part of a large-scale military strategy

NASAMS

Belgium has announced plans to restore and modernize its ground-based air defense (air defense) capabilities through the purchase of ten Norwegian NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) batteries. This initiative is part of a massive 36 billion euro military investment strategy led by new Defense Minister Theo Franken.

The strategy is aimed at significantly strengthening the country's defense potential and preparing for new security challenges in the face of growing tensions in Europe. The acquisition of modern NASAMS air defense systems will allow Belgium to effectively counter aerial threats, including missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles.

This decision is being made against the backdrop of the upcoming NATO summit in June 2025 in The Hague, where a review of the guidelines on defense spending is expected. The alliance members plan to raise the target level of military budgets from the current 2% to 5% of GDP, reflecting the desire to strengthen collective security.

Defense Minister Theo Franken emphasized the importance of these investments to ensure national security and fulfill obligations to NATO allies. The restoration and modernization of air defense will become key elements of Belgium's defense policy in the coming years.

Belgium strengthens air defense with surface-to-air missiles

SAMP/T system

In the face of changing European security, Belgium has decided to strengthen its air defenses with modern surface-to-air missile systems. According to the latest data, Belgium is preparing to purchase the SAMP/T system developed by MBDA in collaboration with Thales. This decision is intended to fill a strategic gap in the country's defense system.

The SAMP/T (Surface-to-Air Missile Platform / Tactical) system is one of the most advanced European air defense systems. It is designed to protect against various types of aerial threats, including airplanes, helicopters, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles. SAMP/T can be integrated with other defense systems, allowing for a comprehensive air defense system.

SAMP/T is based on the Aster missile system, which has already proven itself in the armed forces of several European countries. The system is equipped with high-tech radars and fire control systems, which allows it to effectively detect and neutralize aerial threats at long distances. SAMP/T can be used both in stationary and mobile mode, which makes it flexible and adaptable to various conditions.

MBDA, one of the largest European manufacturers of rocket technology, has developed the SAMP/T system in collaboration with Thales, the world's leading manufacturer of electronic systems for the military and civilian markets. This collaboration has combined the advanced technologies and expertise of the two companies, creating one of the most effective air defense systems in the world.

The purchase of the SAMP/T system is an important step in strengthening Belgium's defense system. This will allow the country to more effectively counter modern air threats and ensure the safety of its citizens. In addition, this decision underlines Belgium's commitment to cooperation with other European countries in the field of defense and security.