Belgium Arms Its Drones with Precision Brimstone Missiles
Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken (N-VA) has announced the purchase of 16 Brimstone 3 precision-guided missiles and four launch systems for the country’s fleet of MQ-9B Sky Guardian drones, marking a significant shift in Belgian defense policy. The deal was finalized at the Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom, according to Het Laatste Nieuws.
A New Capability for Belgian Drones
Until now, Belgium’s four MQ-9B Sky Guardian drones—operated by the 2nd Squadron, 2nd Tactical Wing at Florennes Air Base—were used exclusively for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. The acquisition of Brimstone 3 air-to-ground missiles from the European defense manufacturer MBDA transforms them into armed strike platforms capable of engaging targets in real time.
The Brimstone 3 missile, developed by MBDA UK for the Royal Air Force, features a dual-mode seeker combining millimeter-wave radar and semi-active laser guidance. Weighing approximately 50 kilograms, it is designed to engage moving targets such as tanks, armored vehicles, and fast-moving boats with exceptional precision. As retired Belgian Colonel Roger Housen explained to HLN, the missile can be configured for different effects: “If you are sitting on your patio, the missile is capable of hitting just your patio table. But with a different warhead, the explosives can also cover a larger surface area if desired.”
Political Shift Enables Armament
The decision to arm the drones represents a departure from the previous government under Prime Minister Alexander De Croo (2019–2025), which included left-wing parties that opposed weaponizing the drones. According to RTBF, “the decision to arm the drones was taken at the formation of the new majority,” reflecting the changed political landscape following Belgium’s 2024 elections.
Minister Francken justified the purchase by citing lessons from modern warfare. “The war in Ukraine shows every day how important drone systems have become,” he said. “They make it possible to react quickly, limit risks for our soldiers, and intervene very precisely when necessary. Our country must have this modern capability.”
Operational Timeline and International Cooperation
The missiles are expected to become operational within a few months. Belgium is collaborating closely with the United Kingdom on documentation, training, and potentially temporary support equipment to accelerate the integration process. The UK’s extensive experience with Brimstone integration on MQ-9 platforms provides a proven pathway for Belgium’s program.
The purchase comes shortly after a landmark deployment of Belgian drones within a NATO framework. Between April and July 2026, two Belgian MQ-9B drones were deployed to Sigonella Air Base in Italy under Operation Silent Spear, supported by the NATO Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Force (NISRF). As reported by Afterburner, the drones logged over 400 flight hours providing maritime situational awareness for NATO operations Sea Guardian and Noble Shield.
Military Significance and Limitations
The arming of Belgian drones represents a qualitative leap in capability. Previously limited to passive observation, the drones can now provide persistent strike capability with their 40-hour endurance, enabling real-time targeting without the latency of calling in manned aircraft. This is particularly significant for force protection and rapid response missions.
However, some analysts have noted that 16 missiles is a relatively small quantity. In modern conflicts like Ukraine, drone attacks often involve hundreds of simultaneous strikes. The purchase may represent an initial capability rather than a fully developed arsenal, and the Minister’s office has indicated that additional missiles will follow.
Cost Transparency Questions
The Minister’s office has declined to disclose the cost of the 16 missiles and four launch systems. The four MQ-9B Sky Guardian drones themselves cost approximately €500 million. This lack of transparency has drawn criticism, with some questioning how taxpayer money is being spent.
Broader Defense Modernization
The missile purchase is part of a broader effort to modernize Belgian defense capabilities, which also includes €700 million for AGM-184 JSM stealth cruise missiles for F-35 fighters, €226 million for anti-drone missile systems, and a €1.1 billion anti-drone defense project. Belgium has historically spent relatively little on defense compared to NATO’s 2% GDP guideline.
What to Watch For
Key questions remain about the exact operational timeline, rules of engagement governing the use of armed drones, and whether Belgium will exercise its option to expand the drone fleet from four to six aircraft. The coming months will reveal how this new capability integrates into Belgium’s broader defense posture and NATO commitments.