761 Akeron Missiles to Belgium instead of Israeli Spikes

Belgium will replace Israel's Rafael-produced Spike Anti-Tank Missiles with MBDA-produced Akeron Anti-Tank Missiles on its armored vehicles, according to Minister of Defense Ludivine Dedonder.

Belgium has ordered 761 Akeron MP Medium Range Surface-to-Surface Missiles (MMP) to equip French-made Jaguar-type armored reconnaissance and combat vehicles (EBRC).

The decision to replace Spike missiles, which have been in use in the Belgian Army since 2012, reflects a strategic shift towards European-made armaments. The Spike Anti-Tank Missile had been marketed as a "Europeanized" version by EuroSpike GmbH, a German company.

The retirement of Spike Missiles is planned for at least 2030. Minister Dedonder announced that the gradual deployment of the MMP system is set to begin in 2026, both for soldiers on the ground and onboard vehicles.

Deliveries of Akeron MP missiles are scheduled to start in three years. Belgium ordered 761 MMP missiles in 2022, with the initial partial delivery expected between late 2025 and early 2026. Additional deliveries will follow in 2026-2027 and 2028-2029, with specific quantities undisclosed. The first battalion is slated to transition to the MMP system in 2026, reaching the "initial operational capability" (IOC) stage by 2027.

Belgium acquired 60 Jaguar vehicles from France as part of the CaMo (motorized capacity) project, which also includes the purchase of 382 Griffon multi-purpose light armored vehicles.