The US State Department has granted approval for a potential foreign military sale to Belgium, valued at $79 million, which will include AGM-114R2 Hellfire missiles and various support services. This authorization comes as part of Belgium’s request for as many as 240 Hellfire systems, enhancing its defensive and operational capabilities.
The comprehensive package designed for Belgium encompasses not only the missiles but also extensive engineering and technical support, training programs, spare parts, and ammunition supplies. Additionally, it features communications equipment, maintenance services, and logistical support essential for the effective use of these systems.
The US government indicated that this sale aims to bolster Belgium’s capacity for counterterrorism operations, aligning with broader security initiatives. As Belgium already employs advanced air-to-ground weaponry within its F-35 and F-16 fleets, the integration of the new Hellfire missiles is expected to proceed with ease.
Lockheed Martin, headquartered in Troy, Alabama, has been designated as the principal contractor for this arrangement. Any potential offset agreements regarding the sale are anticipated to be negotiated directly between the company and Belgian officials.
In a statement highlighting the strategic implications of the deal, the US government said, “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the US by improving the security of a NATO Ally which is an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.”
The AGM-114R2 Hellfire missile is engineered for versatility, utilizing a semi-active laser seeker combined with a multipurpose warhead and a programmable flight trajectory capable of engaging a range of targets. Its guidance system benefits from a feature that allows it to re-acquire targets, a crucial capability when operational conditions, such as low cloud cover, disrupt tracking.
In a related context, last year the US entered into a $483 million agreement with Lockheed Martin for the production of additional AGM-114R2 Hellfire and Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles. This agreement marked the third follow-on award in the program since its inception in 2023, raising the overall value to approximately $4.5 billion. The orders included provisions for the US Army and allied nations, such as the Czech Republic, France, and Poland, also through foreign military sales initiatives.
