Belgium Cleared to buy U.S. Hellfire Missiles
The U.S. Department of State has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Belgium for up to 240 Hellfire missiles, along with a broad package of support equipment and services, at an estimated cost of $79 million.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced that it has delivered the required certification notifying Congress of the proposed sale.
According to the agency, the request includes AGM-114R2 Hellfire missiles and a range of associated items such as engineering and logistics support, communications and training equipment, ammunition, spare parts, classified and unclassified documentation, and program support services.
“The Government of Belgium has requested to buy up to two hundred forty (240) Hellfire missiles (AGM-114R2),” the DSCA said in a release. “The estimated total cost is $79 million.”
In addition to the missiles, the package also includes contractor support, training for personnel, repair and return services, facility design, and various studies and surveys aimed at facilitating the integration of the equipment into Belgium’s defense forces.
As stated by the DSCA, “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO Ally which is an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.”
The DSCA added that the proposed sale will “improve Belgium’s combat capability for counterterrorism operations,” citing the country’s existing experience operating advanced air-to-ground weapons systems through its F-16 and F-35 fighter platforms.
“Belgium will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces,” the agency noted.
The equipment is expected to strengthen Belgium’s air-to-ground precision strike capabilities without affecting the overall military balance in the region. “The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region,” the DSCA said.
The principal contractor for the program will be Lockheed Martin Corporation, based in Troy, Alabama. No offset agreements are currently in place, although any such arrangements would be negotiated directly between Belgium and Lockheed Martin.
According to the announcement, “Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Belgium,” and there will be “no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness” as a result of the deal.