Belgium replacing missile system

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WASHINGTON, Aug. 8 (UPI) -- Belgium is seeking hundreds of Block I Javelin Missiles from the United States to replace its MILAN missile system.

The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency, in its notification to Congress of a possible transaction under the Foreign Military Sales program, said the package of missiles, associated equipment and other related services would be worth an estimated $88 million.

"This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a NATO ally who continues to be an important force for the political stability and economic progress in Northern Europe, the agency said.

Specifically, Belgium has requested 240 Block I Javelin Missiles, 60 command launch units, missile simulation rounds, battery coolant units, and support equipment. Spare and repair parts, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical data and other related logistics support would be included.

Principal contractors involved would be the Joint Javelin Venture, a consortium of Raytheon and Lockheed Martin.

If the sale is approved, six U.S. government or contractor representatives would be required to provide two weeks of equipment training in Belgium.