2026-08-04

The reactivation of the 9th Missile Wing (9 WMsl) marks a historic comeback for Belgian air defense, with the Ursel airfield serving as its brand-new focal point. This ambitious project is part of Defense's strategic Quarter Plan, through which our country is heavily investing in modern security. Because building the new barracks in Ursel takes time, the unit is temporarily launching at Beauvechain Air Base. As soon as the infrastructure in Ursel is ready, the wing will relocate there permanently.
The re-established 9th Missile Wing builds upon a rich history dating back to the period of the Nike Hercules air defense in Belgium during the Cold War. For decades, these surface-to-air missiles formed a crucial link in NATO defense and gave the unit a distinct identity within the Belgian Air Force. Although the new 9 WMsl relies entirely on modern systems such as NASAMS, this past clearly lives on. It is therefore plausible that elements from the Nike Hercules era will resurface in the design of a new emblem or heraldry. Think of symbolism surrounding missiles, air defense, and vigilance—typical of the units that fulfilled this mission back then. Thus, the circle seems complete: a modern capability, rooted in a historical heritage that may become visible once again in the wing's identity.
Belgium is acquiring the NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System). The rebuilding of this military capability comes with a concrete and tight timeline. The start-up phase runs from now until the end of 2026, during which the re-established 9th Missile Wing is already active behind the scenes (we presume) administratively and operationally at Beauvechain to recruit and train the necessary personnel. The first operational NASAMS batteries are expected in Belgium in the second half of 2027, with the primary task of protecting strategic locations such as the Port of Antwerp. The period from 2028 to 2030 will see the final relocation to Ursel, as soon as the new infrastructure is fully operational and the unit can fully assume its role as the national pivot in air defense.
Info an image: MOD, Belgian air Force and Noorse Kongsberg Defence
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Source: Aviation Day