The United States has approved the sale of AGM-158B JASSM-ER cruise missiles to Belgium in a military package valued at US$236 million.
According to the website Defence Blog, the authorization was granted by the US Department of State on May 18 and paves the way for the Belgian Air Force to equip its future fleet of F-35A fighter jets with long-range weapons capable of striking heavily defended maritime and land targets.
The package includes the missiles themselves, spare parts, testing equipment, technical documentation, logistical support, and training.
The companies responsible for the supply will be Norway’s Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace, developer of the system, and America’s RTX Corporation, which participates in the integration and manufacturing of components. The number of missiles involved in the deal was not disclosed.
The JSM is an air-launched evolution of the Naval Strike Missile and was developed specifically for integration with F-35 fighter jets. One of the weapon’s main advantages is its ability to be carried internally within the aircraft’s weapons bay, preserving the stealth characteristics of the fighter.
The missile also has the capability to strike ships and land targets at ranges exceeding 200 kilometers.
The acquisition is part of Belgium’s military modernization and ammunition stockpile reinforcement plan, accelerated after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
In July 2025, the Belgian government officially approved the purchase of the JSM under the Ammunition Readiness Plan 2025–2029, considered the largest ammunition investment in the country’s history.
The weapons will primarily be used by Belgian F-35A aircraft. Belgium initially ordered 34 aircraft of the model and has already indicated plans to expand the fleet to 45 units. The country’s first F-35A aircraft arrived at Florennes Air Base in October 2025.
With the purchase, Belgium joins a growing group of JSM operators that includes Norway, the United States, Germany, Japan, and Australia. According to Defence Blog, the increase in international demand for the missile is expected to put pressure on Kongsberg’s production line in the coming years.
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Photo: Lockheed Martin. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
