Belgium has already set a timeline for transferring its F-16 fighters to Ukraine. To ensure their F-35 replacements can deliver long-range strikes, Belgium now wants to procure the modern AGM-184 JSM cruise missile.
According to a U.S. State Department authorization, the deal is valued at up to $236 million. In addition to the weapons themselves, the package covers spare parts, various consumables, documentation, training support, maintenance, logistics, and associated software.
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The primary work will be carried out by American company RTX Corporation and Norwegian firm Kongsberg. The sale is specifically described as intended to enhance the capabilities of Belgium's F-35s.
As a reminder from Defense Express: the AGM-184 JSM is a cruise missile with a range of up to 555 km, though this figure varies depending on launch altitude. The missile weighs 416 kg and carries a 120 kg warhead.
The JSM is the primary option of its class for the F-35 arsenal, primarily because it fits inside the aircraft's internal weapons bay the same reason Germany is actively procuring it despite having its own Taurus missiles.
It should be noted that at this stage only a sale authorization has been issued, meaning intent has been expressed but a contract is not guaranteed. If Belgium does sign the agreement, it will become the sixth JSM operator worldwide, alongside the United States, Germany, Japan, Australia, and Norway.
American-made F-35A fighters have already begun arriving in Belgium, with 34 aircraft currently on order and plans to add a further 11. The first of them will be operationally ready as early as 2027.
With the new aircraft coming online, Belgium will begin transferring its F-16s to Ukraine from 2026, with a total of 53 aircraft planned for delivery. Not all of them are guaranteed to be in combat-ready condition, however, meaning some will likely be used for spare parts.
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