Belgium has awarded a contract worth 226.7 million euros ($263 million) to procure Mistral very-short-range air defense (VSHORAD) missile systems. The contract is being managed by France’s defense procurement agency, with deliveries scheduled over the next six years. The acquisition is intended to strengthen Belgium’s air defense network, particularly against emerging threats such as armed drones.
Belgium is one of five nations that signed a 2024 framework agreement to jointly purchase Mistral missiles manufactured by MBDA. The arrangement is expected to cover the procurement of more than 1,500 missiles and qualifies for financial support from the European Union’s 310-million-euro ($360-million) initiative designed to promote joint defense procurement among member states.
The Mistral system is a versatile VSHORAD solution capable of deployment across multiple platforms, including ground vehicles, naval vessels, helicopters, and man-portable launchers. The latest Mistral 3 variant offers an interception range of up to 8 kilometers and can engage targets at altitudes reaching 6 kilometers.
Equipped with a supersonic, highly maneuverable design, the missile uses a fire-and-forget infrared imaging seeker enhanced by advanced image-processing technology. With a reported success rate of 96 percent, it is capable of neutralizing low-signature targets such as drones, turbojet-powered missiles, and fast attack craft even at extended ranges.
