A Transatlantic Snub Sparks French Fury

Belgium will acquire 11 additional F-35 stealth fighter jets from the United States in a
deal worth €1.67 billion, prompting criticism from French manufacturer Dassault
Aviation, which accused Brussels of undermining Europe’s defense ambitions.

The order, announced as part of Belgium’s 2026–2034 Strategic Vision for Defense,
adds to the 34 aircraft already purchased under a 2018 contract. The move will bring
Belgium’s total fleet to 45 F-35s, and comes alongside plans to raise defense spending
to 2 % of GDP and invest in missile defense and cyber capabilities.

Dassault chief executive Éric Trappier said Belgium’s decision was inconsistent with its
public support for European defense initiatives such as the Future Combat Air System
(FCAS) – a joint project involving France, Germany, and Spain to develop a next-
generation European fighter jet. “What surprises me is that just when they say they’re
buying the F-35, they want to get into the FCAS,” he told French media.

Belgian defense minister Théo Francken rejected the criticism, describing it as
“arrogant” and insisting the purchase was based on operational needs and NATO
commitments. He said the F-35 offered proven interoperability with alliance partners
and was the only available aircraft that met the air force’s immediate requirements for
stealth and advanced combat capability.

The initial F-35 contract promised industrial returns for Belgian companies through
maintenance and production work, although the economic benefits so far have been
lower than forecast. Officials argue that participation in the program still provides
long-term strategic and industrial advantages, Belgium is one of several European countries expanding its fleet of US-made fighter jets
as the war in Ukraine and instability in the Middle East spur defense upgrades.

Critics in France have warned that reliance on American technology could undermine European
strategic autonomy, while Belgian officials dismiss claims that the aircraft could be
disabled remotely by Washington as “urban legends.”
Delivery of the new aircraft is expected before the end of the decade.

Photo – Emmanuel Macron – President of France