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| 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.
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