Belgium, Italy, and Romania boost F-35 fleets with joint Sidewinder missile purchase

Belgium, Italy, and Romania have secured U.S. approval to acquire up to 96 AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles in a $103.9 million (€88.9 million) deal coordinated through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA).

• Missiles: Block II/II+ variants with improved electronics, safety features, and data-link capability for beyond-visual-range combat.
• Integration: Compatible with F-35s and other NATO aircraft, as well as NASAMS air defence systems.
• Package: Includes missile containers, guidance units for Romania, training, logistics, and technical support.
• Prime Contractor: RTX Corporation (formerly Raytheon).
• Strategic Impact: Enhances NATO interoperability, streamlines costs via centralised procurement, and strengthens allied deterrence without altering Europe’s military balance.

The purchase reflects NATO’s drive to modernise air forces with advanced munitions and to project unity through shared weapons systems.