The US State Department has greenlighted the foreign military sale of AIM-120C-8 advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles (AMRAAMs) to Belgium.
Belgium requested the $380 million deal to arm its F-16 Fighting Falcons and future F-35 Lightning II fleet.
According to the US Defense Security Agency (DCSA), the approval allows Belgium to buy up to 120 AIM-120C-8 AMRAAMs and 10 C-8 Guidance Sections.
Raytheon Missile Systems was selected as the principal contractor for the agreement.
The country can also procure spare AIM-120 control sections, containers, AIM-120C captive air training missiles, consumables, AMRAAM accessories, software, technical documentation, training, logistical support, and related equipment.
“The proposed sale will improve Belgium’s capability to meet current and future threats by maintaining its F-16 and F-35 fleets in combat-ready status and providing a credible deterrent to regional threats,” the DCSA statement said.
Belgium’s Fighter Fleet
The AMRAAM sale approval builds on an F-16 sustainment contract approved by the US State Department in July for $127 million.
The Belgian Air Force was among the first international customers to adopt F-16s. The country is now procuring new F-35s to replace some of its aging F-16s.