Belgium Eyes Mixed Fighter Jet Fleet, Boosting FCAS Involvement
Belgium’s defence strategy is set for a important evolution, with the nation announcing plans to expand its F-35 fleet and explore a mixed-fleet approach that includes European fighter aircraft. This strategic shift, detailed in a new memorandum, aims to enhance flexibility and provide clear strategic advantages for the Belgian Air Force.
the proposed mixed fleet would combine the advanced fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets with aircraft developed under the European Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program. This ambitious Franco-German-Spanish initiative is focused on creating a sixth-generation fighter, slated for operational readiness by 2040.
Unlike the F-35, the FCAS is envisioned not as a standalone platform but as an integral component of a elegant network encompassing drones, sensors, and command systems. While Belgium currently participates in the FCAS program as an observer, the new memorandum signals a strong intent to transition into a full partner as swiftly as possible.
Belgium aims to deepen its engagement starting next year,coinciding with the commencement of the FCAS program’s next phase,which involves the growth of a demonstrator aircraft. The estimated cost for this phase is approximately five billion euros, to be shared among participating nations. Projections for the total program expenditure up to 2040 reach an estimated fifty billion euros.
Navigating Cooperation Challenges
the collaborative development of the FCAS program has not been without its challenges. Notably, Dassault Aviation has expressed a strong desire to secure a more dominant role within the project.Reports suggest plans to increase Dassault’s stake in specific program elements to 80 percent, potentially impacting the share held by airbus Defence and Space, which represents Germany and Spain.
Eric Trappier, CEO of Dassault, has consistently indicated a reluctance to cede control to Airbus. He has emphasized that France’s extensive expertise in combat aircraft development, exemplified by aircraft like the Mirage and Rafale, is intrinsically linked to national security interests, particularly concerning export capabilities, and must remain paramount. Airbus, founded on the principle of European cooperation, is reportedly focused on safeguarding its own position within the partnership.