Defense News reports that the Belgian government has recently expressed its openness to participating in a multinational European sixth-generation fighter program, known as the Future Combat Air System (FCAS). This announcement comes as a surprise, considering Belgium’s previous commitment to the U.S.-led F-35 program.
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The Belgian defense industry has been urging the government to make a decision regarding its involvement in a sixth-generation combat aircraft program. While discussions have taken place between Belgium and stakeholders of the FCAS program, Belgium is currently considering an “observer status” rather than full participation. The FCAS program is led by France, Germany, and Spain, with major defense companies such as Dassault Aviation, Airbus, and Indra heavily involved.
However, the CEO of Dassault Aviation, Éric Trappier, has voiced his opposition to expanding the FCAS program to include countries already involved in the F-35 program, even if they are European. Trappier has raised concerns about accommodating additional countries in their design office and factory, questioning the rationale behind it.
Belgian Defence Minister Ludivine Dedonder responded to Trappier’s comments, acknowledging his frustration but emphasizing that the fighter of the future, whether it be the FCAS or the U.K.-Italy-Japan Global Combat Air Program, will be crucial for Belgium’s defense. Dedonder highlighted the importance of integrating Belgian companies into the chosen program.
Despite concerns raised by Dassault Aviation, observer status for Belgium is unlikely to impact FCAS industry partners significantly, as it would not immediately involve industrial participation. Furthermore, Belgium’s commitment to purchasing the F-35A five years ago suggests that the country does not require a new fighter aircraft system for the next three decades.
While Germany and Spain, both FCAS members, have either chosen the F-35 or strongly considered it as a replacement fighter, Dassault has not shown the same level of protest against their participation. Analysts argue that a European country’s involvement in an American-led fighter program should not justify its exclusion from European defense projects like FCAS.
At present, the specific details of Belgium’s potential observer status remain unknown. Participating in the FCAS program would provide Belgium’s national industry with opportunities to contribute to the system’s development by offering niche technological solutions. However, observer status may limit access to sensitive information, potentially hindering such contributions.https://www.defensenews.com/air/2023/06/16/belgium-flirts-with-joining-fcas-fighter-program/
As the FCAS program potentially expands to include more countries, further negotiations and delays could arise. The project has previously faced challenges due to disagreements over workshare agreements. Dassault Aviation and Indra have not provided comments, while Airbus stated that the addition of new members remains a political decision among the partner nations of France, Germany, and Spain.
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