Belgium is set to join the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) to build Europe’s next-generation fighter jets “in a few weeks as an observer nation,” the defence minister announced.
The FCAS is a European fighter aircraft programme being developed by France’s Dassault Aviation, Germany’s Airbus and Spain’s Indra Sistemas. It is considered one of the largest joint weapons projects on the continent.
FCAS fighters are expected to replace the French Rafale and the German and Spanish Eurofighter Typhoon in 2040. Germany and France signed a framework agreement in 2017, with Spain joining in 2020.
Belgian Defence Minister Ludivine Dedonder stated:
Belgium will be ready to confirm its observer status to the FCAS programme in a few weeks.
Under the agreement, Belgium will not participate in decision-making on the programme, but will share information to prepare for further co-operation with partners, a practice common in the research and development phases of such programmes.
Dedonder’s announcement comes just six months after Brussels announced that it would work towards obtaining an “observer” position for the project as a first step towards full participation. This demonstrates the commitment of Belgium and its industry to participate in the co-construction of a future European next-generation fighter aircraft system.
At the same time, the European defence market is considering two sixth-generation aircraft programmes: the Franco-German-Spanish Future Combat Aircraft System (FCAS) and the British-led Tempest fighter project, since for some time, EU member states have been under increasing pressure to choose sides.
French companies Dassault Aviation and Airbus are going to construct a fighter jet, while France’s Safran and Germany’s MTU Aero Engines will jointly develop an engine for a new military aircraft. Spanish company Indra is contributing by offering its radar technology.
The Belgian Council of Ministers will receive the results of talks as early as the first quarter of 2024. It is expected to allow Belgium to formally join the programme as an observer and defend its industry’s place in the project.
The programme has entered the 1B phase, meaning that industry has already started work on the aircraft demonstrator, scheduled to be unveiled in 2027. However, after becoming an observer, Belgium may still decide not to become a full participant in the programme.
The Alexander De Croo government’s €1.8 billion investment in research and development, up from a previous investment of €800 million, demonstrates a desire to scale up investment in the industry. Dedonder stated:
“Participating in the FCAS programme would benefit the national aerospace industry’s economy with long-term visibility in orders and production, and with developing expertise in the sector.”
