Belgium to deploy first NASAMS battery by 2027 to secure major port

2026-02-26 - 09:52

Belgium is set to deploy its first NASAMS (Norwegian-American Surface-to-Air Missile System) battery in 2027, Prime Minister Bart De Wever confirmed on Thursday. The initial deployment is aimed at safeguarding nearly two-thirds of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, one of Europe’s key logistics hubs, according to Belga news agency reports citing Gazet van Antwerpen. Capabilities of NASAMS NASAMS is a short- and medium-range air defense system designed to intercept a range of aerial threats, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), helicopters, cruise missiles, unmanned combat aerial vehicles, and fixed-wing aircraft. The system combines advanced radar, sensors, and guided missiles to provide flexible protection for critical sites. Expansion plans Additional NASAMS batteries are expected in the coming years. The installation of a second unit would extend coverage to the entire port area and nearby strategic sites, including nuclear power stations, providing a layered defense against aerial threats. Anti-drone measures Prime Minister De Wever also confirmed that Belgium has acquired a dedicated anti-drone system, following last year’s incidents involving dozens of drone sightings over sensitive locations, such as chemical facilities and port terminals. The new system is intended to enhance surveillance and protect critical infrastructure from unmanned aerial threats.