Belgium to Deploy NASAMS Air Defense Systems to Protect the Port of Antwerp

Belgium has ordered NASAMS air defense systems, which it plans to deploy to protect the port of Antwerp, the second busiest in Europe.

Prime Minister Bart De Wever announced this, according to European Pravda.

The government took this step after the country faced numerous incidents of unknown drones flying over strategic facilities last year.

“An air defense system will be installed in the port of Antwerp. It is a NASAMS-type system, which has already been ordered,” the Prime Minister said.

The Belgian Ministry of Defense noted that the first part of the system will be operational in 2027. This will protect almost two-thirds of the port’s territory.

The appearance of unknown drones in the fall of 2025 forced the temporary closure of Belgian airports and a military airbase. The drones were also spotted over the port of Antwerp, as well as over nuclear power plants, the BASF chemical plant, and the Europa container terminal.

Following these incidents, in early November, the Belgian armed forces received orders to shoot down any unknown drones over military bases.

Strengthening Belgium’s air defense

The Belgian Ministry of Defense ordered Lithuanian Blaze interceptor drones in November 2025 as part of a €50 million package of measures to counter drones.

In early February, the manufacturer Origin Robotics announced that the Belgian armed forces were among the first in Europe to deploy these interceptors.

In addition, in December last year, Belgian special operations forces received the first portable Polish-made Piorun man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS).

NASAMS

Belgium’s plans to purchase “about ten batteries” of NASAMS, each consisting of four launchers, became known in June 2025. This was to be a joint purchase with Luxembourg.

For more information on this Norwegian-American air defense system, which also protects the skies over Ukraine, read the article on Militarnyi.